Indiana Hard Chrome Plating

At R&S Plating, our knowledge of hard chrome plating is unsurpassed. With more than 70 years in the business, we have a long-established reputation as Indiana hard chrome plating experts.

Our business was founded in 1946 by Bill Raymond and Johnny Stout. Times may have changed in many ways since then, but our commitment to providing clients with high-quality metal finishes and personalized customer care hasn’t. We’re proud to remain family-owned after all these years and look forward to serving customers for many more years to come.

About Indiana Hard Chrome Plating

Hard chrome can be used in a variety of industrial applications. It is usually applied to surfaces that will be exposed to excessive wear, requiring a durable protective coating. Also known as industrial chrome or satin chrome, it has a reputation for being resistant to corrosion and lasting a long time under extreme conditions.

Indiana Hard Chrome Plating FAQs

Is there a difference between “chrome plating” and “chromium plating”?
There is no difference at all. “Chromium” is the official scientific name for this chemical element. “Chrome” is simply a commonly used industrial term used for the same element.

But is there more than one type of chrome plating?
Yes, there is. Hard chrome plating is most often used for industrial purposes. There is also decorative chrome plating used for ornamental purposes on items such as plumbing fixtures, locks, wheel rims, etc.

Does R&S Plating offer both types of chrome plating?
No, we do not. At R&S Plating, we are considered to be Indiana hard chrome plating experts. We excel at providing high-quality industrial metal finishes.

What are the properties of industrial hard chrome?
Hard chrome plating is known for being extremely hard. The typical hardness after plating is around 900-1200 on the Vickers hardness scale. Industrial hard chrome also has a very low coefficient of friction, providing an extended wear life.

How is Indiana hard chrome plating used?
Hard chrome plating is used in a variety of ways including:

On machine tools such as drills, dies, extrusion screws, rolls, spindles, and taps
In the aerospace industry for gear components, piston heads, actuator components, etc.
On plastic molds to allow for easy release
In the automotive industry on a range of parts including shock absorbers and pistons
Repairing and restoring parts that are old and worn down

…and more

What are the benefits of Indiana hard chrome plating?

Hard chrome plating offers a wide range of benefits, such as:
Its durability is exceptional. Chromium plating tends to be a lot tougher than other industrial surfaces. Components that are plated with chrome are extremely durable and can withstand prolonged high-stress contact.
It can be applied to a broad range of shapes and textures. Whether the component is small, large, long, short, cylindrical, square, solid, porous, or anything in between, hard chrome plating can easily be applied.

It adheres well to a variety of substrates. Chrome plating can be used to cover brasses, bronzes, copper alloys, titanium alloys, lightweight aluminum alloys, nickel-based alloys, stainless steels, and cast irons.

Its bond strength is high. The strength of the bond can depend upon the substrate used. For most materials, the bond strength can reach 35,000 psi and up. Substrates such as highly alloyed steels and some non-ferrous metals may have lower results, but the bond is still typically stronger than with most other industrial metal finishes.

Its resistance to abrasion is outstanding. Even when placed under high-stress conditions for a long period of time, components treated with chrome plating produce a very low wear rate. In fact, the wear rates of hard chrome plating are often 100 times better than those of hardened steel, electroless nickel, and other materials.

It protects against corrosion. The material used in chromium plating is chemically stable and won’t corrode, providing additional protection to your industrial components.

Its finish is bright and attractive. Not only does hard chrome plating increase durability, stand up to friction, and reduce wear, it also looks good.

How is hard chrome plating done? What’s the process?

The basic steps of Indiana hard chrome plating include:
Thoroughly cleaning the surface of the component to remove all traces of dirt, grease, and other impurities.
Pretreating the item to ensure maximum adhesion, dependent upon the type of substrate being used.
Placing the component into a vat of chromic acid solution (also known as an electrolyte bath), where it will be heated to match the solution’s temperature.
Running an electric current through the solution to create a chemical reaction that causes chromium metal to adhere to the component.
Allowing the current to continue until the desired thickness is achieved.

Call R&S Plating, the Indiana Hard Chrome Plating Experts

At R&S Plating, we specialize in Indiana hard chrome plating. For more than 70 years, we’ve worked hard to provide the very best industrial metal finishes for our clients. If you have any questions about our metal plating services, we invite you to contact us by phone at 317-925-2396. We look forward to talking with you soon!