Hardness and durability
A hardness of 60–70 HRC (Rockwell) provides high wear resistance in demanding applications. It extends tool and component life and helps maintain dimensional stability.
Engineering (hard) chrome plating
Hard chrome plating of industrial components
A hard chrome layer is deposited electrolytically from specially formulated baths at elevated temperatures and high current densities. The result is a hard, wear-resistant surface with good sliding properties for demanding operating conditions.
- 60–70 HRC (Rockwell)
- Low adhesion and friction
- Corrosion resistance
- Thicknesses 0.005–1.5 mm
At a glance
| Process | Hard (engineering) chrome plating |
|---|---|
| Typical thickness | 0.05 mm for tools and machine components |
| Plating to size | Possible up to 0.05 mm |
| Above 0.05 mm | Grinding after plating is recommended |
| Hardness | 60–70 HRC (Rockwell) |
Key benefits of hard chrome
Corrosion resistance
Chrome plating improves resistance to environmental conditions and process media, reduces maintenance requirements and contributes to system reliability.
Low adhesion and friction
Good sliding properties reduce heat and energy losses, support smoother operation and reduce seizure and cold welding.
Thicknesses, tolerances and finishing
Hard chrome coating thickness is selected for the component and its application, ranging from 0.005 to 1.5 mm. Around 0.05 mm is commonly used for tools and machine components. Coatings up to 0.05 mm can often be deposited to size; thicker coatings generally require grinding to achieve a smooth, uniform and dimensionally accurate surface.
For tight tolerances, we agree on the target dimensions after grinding.
Coating thickness guide
| Minimum | 0.005 mm |
|---|---|
| Typical | 0.02–0.05 mm |
| Maximum | 1.5 mm, depending on the component |
| Plating to size | Up to approximately 0.05 mm |
| Above 0.05 mm | Grinding to the required size and surface roughness (Ra) is recommended |
Applications
Restoration and reinforcement
Worn surfaces on shafts, pistons, rollers, guides and tools can be built up locally to increase hardness and restore serviceability. This often offers significant savings compared with manufacturing a new component.
Tools and measuring scales
Thin hard chrome layers improve cutting tool performance and extend tool life. Matt chrome plating, following suitable blasting preparation, is used on measuring scales and measuring equipment.
Lower processing temperature
Compared with nitriding and surface hardening, hard chrome plating takes place at lower temperatures. This reduces distortion and residual stresses while providing high surface hardness and good sliding properties.
Process steps
Intake and specification
Drawing, dimensions, tolerances and material.
Surface preparation
Cleaning, grinding, polishing and masking.
Electroplating
Controlled bath parameters and processing time.
Finishing
Grinding and polishing to size and the required surface roughness.
Quality control
Checks of coating thickness, dimensions and surface roughness.
Packing and delivery
Protection of treated surfaces and delivery.
Pricing and quotations
Pricing depends on the surface area, target coating thickness, preparation complexity and required final accuracy. For an estimate, send a drawing or photographs, dimensions and tolerances, material, target chrome thickness and a description of operating conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Can chrome be plated to size without grinding?
Up to approximately 0.05 mm, plating directly to size is often possible. For thicker coatings, we recommend grinding for accuracy and surface uniformity.
When is hard chrome most cost-effective?
When restoring worn components or treating parts exposed to wear and corrosion, and for cutting tools and measuring scales where sliding properties and durability matter.
How does hard chrome compare with nitriding and hardening?
The process takes place at lower temperatures, resulting in less distortion and lower residual stresses. It provides good sliding properties and high surface hardness.