Even the Toughest Need Protection

Industrial chrome, engineered chrome, and hard chrome are all terms used to describe the thin layer of chromium metal that’s electroplated onto other metal or plastic surfaces. The most recognizable form of chrome for the majority of people is the “chrome” decorative pieces used on automobiles and other vehicles such as motorcycles. For industrial uses, hard chrome plating, also known as a type of wear technology, helps increase durability of machine parts, resist rust, and reduce friction.

Plating hard chrome on machine parts can be expensive process, but the cost is quickly recovered through less downtime because of broken machinery replacement costs and losses caused by downed labor hours. It’s also beneficial in extending the life of expensive equipment. Armor worn by medieval knights could be an analogy used to illustrate how chrome plating protects and extends the life of machinery it covers. The machinery performs its functions perfectly well, but over time or under particular projected circumstances, it could be damaged. The chrome acts as a protective covering for many of the same reasons a knight chooses to wear armor as a shield from anticipated forces, such as repetition of movement, nature’s environmental conditions, and other adverse occurrences.

Prevention is Worth More Than the Cure

The applications it’s being used for determines the thickness of hard chrome necessary. Standard thickness ranges from 0.2 mm to 1 mm or more for optimal resistance in machinery that requires extreme usage. It’s also exceedingly hard with a normal 65 to 69 HRC rating on the Rockwell scale. It’s possible for modern engineered technology to extend the HRC hardness to 80 if certain requirements warrant that particular coating specification. Heavy processing industries, such as mining, manufacturing, and many others will benefit from companies that specialize in hard chrome applications. These companies, such as AJ Weller, have the skills and knowledge that make them prime sources to help businesses determine the ideal use for their needs.

Bottom line profits are the goal most companies shoot to meet. Investing in protective wear technology like customized chrome plating is an aggressive measure that ultimately saves on downed labor time and equipment performance.