Chromium plating and hard chrome plating are surface treatment processes used to improve the properties of metals. Applying a thin layer of chromium to a component increases its wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and service life.
When many people think of chrome-plated parts, they are usually referring to decorative chrome plating. This is the type of chrome plating used to create shiny, mirror-polished surfaces.
This type of finish is often found on items such as bumpers, rims, motorcycle parts, and moped parts, but also on many interior decor items such as candlesticks, sculptures, and hardware.
In decorative chrome plating, the surface is built up in several steps. First, layers of copper and nickel are applied to the part. It is primarily the nickel layer that provides the shiny finish. Next, a very thin layer of chrome is applied to protect the surface and ensure that the shine lasts over time.
That is why many people believe that companies that work with chrome also restore precisely those kinds of details.
At Nordkrom, however, we use hard chrome plating, which is a completely different process. The goal here is not to create a mirror-like finish, but to improve the component’s technical properties.
Hard chrome plating is instead used on industrial components that are subjected to high loads during operation, such as piston rods, hydraulic shafts, bearing surfaces, and various types of machine parts.
Hard chrome plating can provide components with a highly wear-resistant surface that is very hard and offers good corrosion resistance, which extends their service life and makes them better suited for demanding industrial environments.
Hard Chrome Plating in Industry
Hard chrome plating is an industrial surface treatment in which a relatively thick layer of chromium is applied to a metal component through an electrolytic process.
As mentioned earlier, the purpose is to improve the component’s technical properties.
A hard-chromium-plated surface offers, among other things:
- very high wear resistance
- good corrosion resistance
- low friction
- high hardness
For this reason, the process is often used on components that are subjected to high mechanical stresses, such as piston rods, shafts, and other machine parts.
After the chrome plating process, the part is carefully ground to achieve the correct dimensions and surface finish.
When is hard chrome plating used?
Hard chrome plating is used in many different industries where components must withstand harsh operating conditions over long periods of time.
This technology is commonly used in, for example:
- the process industry
- the mining industry
- the offshore industry
- the aviation industry
- the automotive industry
Hard chrome plating a component significantly extends its service life. The component is refurbished rather than replaced. This makes hard chrome plating a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to manufacturing new parts.
What is decorative chrome plating?
Decorative chrome plating is primarily used when the goal is to create a shiny, aesthetically pleasing surface. This type of chrome plating differs significantly from hard chrome plating, as the focus is on appearance rather than technical properties.
The process takes place in several steps. First, the part is coated with layers of copper and nickel. It is primarily the nickel layer that creates the shiny, mirror-like surface and provides the decorative finish.
A very thin layer of chromium is then applied on top, usually less than one micrometer thick. The chromium layer primarily serves as a protective outer layer that improves corrosion resistance and helps the surface retain its luster over time.
This means that, in practice, it is the nickel plating that provides the visual effect, while the chrome serves as a durable protective layer.
Hard chrome plating, on the other hand, works in a completely different way. It involves applying a significantly thicker layer of chrome directly to the component to improve its technical properties.
That is why Nordkrom uses hard chrome plating
At Nordkrom, the focus is on technical hard chrome plating for industrial components.
In other words, we do not perform decorative chrome plating on items such as rims or bumpers. However, we have extensive experience with various chrome plating processes and can help remove existing chrome coatings from such parts if necessary.
Instead, our specialty is creating extremely durable and dense chrome coatings for components used in demanding industrial environments.
A multi-step process
Hard chrome plating a part is a meticulous process that takes place in several steps.
The process begins by preparing the worn component through grinding or turning. The part is then immersed in an electrolytic bath where the chrome coating is deposited.
Throughout the process, several factors are controlled to ensure the right quality:
- current
- temperature
- the chemical composition of the bath
- processing time
Once the chrome plating is complete, the component is carefully re-ground to achieve the correct dimensions, surface finish, and functionality.
The result is a component that is ready for many more hours of operation.
Hard Chrome Plating – A Sustainable Alternative
In many cases, hard chrome plating is a more sustainable alternative than buying new components.
By renovating and restoring worn parts, you can:
- reduce material consumption
- reduce transportation
- extend the service life of machinery and equipment
This makes hard chrome plating an important part of the effort to develop more sustainable industrial processes.
How much does hard chrome plating cost?
One of the most common questions we get is how much chrome plating costs. However, the price of hard chrome plating can vary depending on the size and condition of the part.
In order to provide an accurate quote, we need three pieces of information:
- the length of the part to be hard chrome-plated
- the diameter of the part
- whether it involves a newly manufactured part or the restoration of a damaged chrome plating
With that information, we can quickly calculate a price.
Please feel free to send us the details via the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you with a quote—usually within one business day.
About Nordkrom
Nordkrom is a manufacturing company specializing in hard chrome plating. Its operations are based on delivering high quality at every stage of the process. The work is carefully monitored and documented to ensure that customers receive the same high quality every time.
The company moved from Luleå to Piteå in 2013. Since 2022, the business has been run by Anton Mikaelsson and Mattias Stenvall.
Drawing on its extensive experience, tradition, and technical expertise, Nordkrom works to solve complex challenges in the field of industrial surface treatment.
Nordkrom also has a sister company in Borlänge – Swecrom AB, which operates in the same field.
