Hard Chrome Plating
Hard chrome plating for wear-resistant industrial components
Hard chrome plating for industrial components is a surface treatment in which a hard layer of chrome is applied to metal parts—such as shafts and cylinders—to make them more wear-resistant, durable, and long-lasting. The chrome layer is applied through an electrolytic process and is often used on components that operate in demanding industrial environments.
With our extensive experience in hard chrome plating, we at Nordkrom help industrial companies extend the service life of components subject to wear through durable and technically tailored surface treatments.
Nordkrom works with newly manufactured parts, the restoration of worn components, and custom chrome plating solutions. Chrome plating can be applied in several different ways and to various parts.
Surface treatment that extends the service life of steel components
A hard, wear-resistant chrome coating can extend the service life of components while reducing the need for repairs, component replacements, and unplanned downtime.
1 Increased durability
The hard chrome coating protects the surface from wear caused by continuous stress and contact between moving parts. It contributes to more stable operation, longer service intervals, and reduced impact on the component’s performance over time.
2 Improved corrosion resistance
Corrosion occurs when metal is broken down by, for example, moisture, water, salt, chemicals, or other aggressive environments—in short, when rust or damage to the material occurs. Hard-chromed equipment has a protective surface layer that reduces the risk of corrosion and surface damage for a long time to come.
This treatment is particularly well-suited for components used in humid, chemically exposed, or demanding industrial environments where high standards are required for durability, reliability, and long service life.
3 Lower friction
With its hard, smooth surface, it provides good sliding properties, reduces friction between moving components, and contributes to smoother operation and reduced wear.
4 Option to reset dimensions
Worn or damaged components can be overlaid with hard chrome and then ground or machined back to the correct dimensions and tolerances. Instead of replacing shafts, bearings, and hydraulic components, for example, hard chrome plating can be used to refurbish existing parts.
By refurbishing existing components instead of purchasing new ones, you can save on costs, lead times, and material consumption, while also giving the component a durable surface suitable for continued operation.
5 High surface hardness
Hard-chromium-plated surfaces have very high hardness and good resistance to scratches, pressure, and mechanical stress, even in demanding industrial environments.
Hard Chrome Plating Capacity and Equipment
We specialize in hard chrome plating for both large and technically complex industrial components. With our impressive chrome plating baths, we can handle large volumes of parts and process everything from shafts and cylinders to larger machine components for heavy industry.
We ensure proper function and inspect the components by re-grinding them and carefully checking their surface finish and dimensions before delivery.
metric tons of lifting capacity
9 700
mm in length
mm in diameter
Process for Taking on High-Volume Jobs
Materials and components we hard chrome-plate
We perform hard chrome plating on a wide range of industrial components and tailor the process to the part’s function, load, and operating environment for, among other things:
- Piston rods
- Axles
- Cylinders
- Machine Details
- Wear surfaces
- Clamping sleeves
- Audit Tools
- Spiders and Bushings
- Rollers
- Loses
Do you work with other types of components or specialty parts? Contact us at Nordkrom for technical advice and an assessment of the most suitable hard chrome plating for your business.
For long-term operation and corrosion protection
Internal hard chrome plating
We can chrome-plate everything from small to large holes, long tubes, oversized cylinder tubes, and internal wear surfaces. Internal hard chrome plating requires a high degree of creativity and broad expertise.
Chromium plating only
For some parts, we simply apply a layer of chrome to provide wear protection, a better release surface, or heat resistance. No pre-treatment or post-polishing is required; this can be applied to everything from flat surfaces to asymmetrical geometries.
Chromium Plating of Molds and Plates
We have fixtures that allow us to chrome-plate flat parts up to 1500x1500x100mm.
Double-Chrome & Triple-Chrome for Offshore Environments
For applications with high corrosion resistance requirements, such as in the offshore and marine industries, we offer double and triple chrome plating. This is a way to maximize corrosion resistance. With a triple chrome layer, we can increase corrosion protection to over 200H+ NSS.
Abrasion-resistant chrome coating
To achieve all the beneficial properties of hard chrome, we apply a layer at least 25 µm (0.025 mm) thick. However, to increase wear resistance—that is, to provide more material to wear away—we can apply a significantly thicker layer. From 80 µm (0.08 mm) all the way up to 800 µm (0.8 mm).
Chromium plating of new parts
Parts that have been manufactured and then coated with chrome where necessary. In most cases, it is more cost-effective to manufacture the component from the base material and then apply hard chrome than to use pre-chromed material from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hard chrome plating?
Hard chrome plating is a surface treatment for metals that increases the hardness of the surface, thereby extending the service life of components and machine parts exposed to wear or corrosive environments.
What are the benefits of hard chrome plating?
Hard chrome plating strengthens metals and increases surface hardness, resulting in a more durable surface and a longer service life. This means you can continue to use your machines for longer and spend less time and money on refurbishment or repairs, as these are needed less frequently. Hard chrome plating also protects against corrosion, which further extends the service life of parts. Furthermore, hard chrome plating can also make cleaning metals easier, which simplifies the maintenance and care of equipment.
What is the difference between chrome plating and hard chrome plating?
Hard chrome plating, also known as industrial chrome plating, is a more technical and practical surface treatment designed to increase the wear resistance, durability, and service life of industrial components. Chrome plating is used more for decorative purposes to create a shiny and aesthetically pleasing surface. Chromium plating is sometimes used as a collective term for both types, but hard chrome plating usually refers specifically to our type of industrial chromium plating, which focuses on performance, durability, and protective properties.
Do you work with decorative chrome?
No, at Nordkrom we do not do decorative chrome plating.
Which materials can be hard chrome-plated?
All ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including chrome-plated titanium and Inconel, brass, copper, steel, nickel-based alloys, cast iron, bronze, and many other metals. Contact us if you have a specific inquiry, and we’ll get back to you right away!
Which industries does Nordkrom serve?
Hard chrome plating is used in industries where machine components are subjected to high wear and demanding operating environments. At Nordkrom, we primarily serve the mining, machinery, and construction industries.
Where does Nordkrom source its components?
We work with clients throughout the Nordic region, primarily in central and northern Sweden, northern Norway, and all of Finland.