Machine components are subjected to extreme stresses on a daily basis. Wear, corrosion, and high friction often lead to downtime, costly repairs, and a shorter service life for the machines. A proven method for extending component service life and improving performance is hard chrome plating.
In this article, we’ll go over five common problems with machine components and how hard chrome plating can be the right solution.
Premature wear
Machine components are subject to wear, which causes surfaces to wear down quickly. This leads to reduced precision and a risk of breakdowns, which in turn can result in even more expensive machine repairs or more unplanned production stoppages. The solution is hard chrome plating, which provides an extremely wear-resistant surface that withstands mechanical wear. This means that a hard chrome-plated component can withstand significantly longer operating times and fewer unplanned stoppages.
Corrosion and Rust
It is not uncommon for moisture, chemicals, and various environmental conditions to cause components to rust or be affected by corrosion. This can be common in paper mills, where the air is often humid. The solution is for the hard chrome coating to act as a protective barrier against corrosion, making the components more resistant in demanding environments—this also applies to industries such as the food industry and marine operations.
High friction
High friction between components increases both energy consumption and heat generation, which shortens the service life of the components. Hard chrome plating reduces friction thanks to its smooth, hard surface. The result is more energy-efficient operation and more consistent friction.
Heat-Related Damage
At high temperatures, many materials lose their hardness, and components are at risk of deformation or cracking. The solution to this particular problem is that hard-chromium-plated surfaces have high temperature resistance and retain their properties even under thermal stress.
Expensive replacement parts and repairs
When a component wears out or is damaged, it is often replaced entirely—which can be very costly, especially for specialized machinery. Through hard chrome plating, existing parts can be refurbished and restored to near-new condition. This is both cost-effective and sustainable. For companies in Norrbotten, this also means they can extend the service life of existing machinery without having to make expensive new investments.
Summary
1. Prevents premature wear
2. Protects against corrosion
3. Reduces friction
4. Withstands high temperatures
5. Extends service life and reduces costs
By choosing hard chrome plating, you’ll extend the service life of your machines, reduce downtime, and save money over time. If you’d like to learn more about hard chrome plating, click here!
