A wear resistant coating is usually applied to metal components to extend their life. When a component wears it can be cost effective to have it re-chromed rather than replacing it.
Exceptional Surface Hardness
Hard chrome coatings typically have a surface hardness of between 850-1000 Vickers (HV). This makes the chrome coating harder than most steels used in engineering and many other coatings. The surface of the part remains hard and is able to resist wear and prevent deformation.
Low Friction Reduces Adhesive Wear
The coefficient of friction of chrome against steel is very low, typically 0.15 under lubricated conditions. This means that there is a minimum of adhesive wear, as the two surfaces are less likely to bond together and then suffer wear as they are pulled apart. The hard chrome coating is particularly suitable for sliding parts such as hydraulic rods and shafts that are running in lubricated bushes.
Micro-Crack Networks Hold Lubricant
In chrome deposits, there are micro-cracks within the chrome. These ‘cracks’ form oil reservoirs which supply a thin layer of lubricant to the surface. Without these cracks, dry contact would very quickly result in serious wear of the surface.
Controlled Thickness Preserves Fit
Chrome can be deposited to precise thicknesses to enable the wear part to be rechromed to precise dimensions to restore the part to its original dimensional specifications.
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Abrasion Resistance in Grit Environments
The abrasion resistance of hard chrome is far greater than that of softer coatings. It will withstand exposure to the greatest grit of airborne particles or process grit. In such situations it will provide extended service life, in comparison to softer coatings. For chromium processes in the workplace there is a limit on the amount of chromium that an individual can be exposed to, this limit is laid down by the HSE. UK operators using hard chrome plating processes should familiarise themselves with these limits.
Choosing the right surface treatment at the start can save a lot of money later on the component’s life.
