Chrome plating, also known as hard chrome plating, is a specialized surface finishing process that imparts a layer of chromium onto various substrates, such as metal components, to enhance their durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. This electroplating technique is widely employed in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and even consumer goods.
The chrome plating process begins with the careful preparation of the workpiece. This involves thorough cleaning and, if necessary, polishing to remove any contaminants or imperfections from the substrate's surface. Once the surface is properly prepared, it undergoes a series of electrochemical steps that result in the deposition of a layer of chromium.
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NADCAP
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AS9100/ISO9001
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API Q1 – American Petroleum Inc
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US AIRFORCE
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US/European Prime Contractors& Tier Suppliers( Accepting Nadcap Approval/ Industry Specs)
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FAA Repair Stations
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Marvin Engineering Co.
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Solar Turbines
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SpaceX
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Baker Hughes
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National Oil Well/VARCO
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Electrolyte Bath: The workpiece is immersed in an electrolyte bath containing a solution of chromic acid or chromium sulfate. This bath acts as the source of chromium ions required for plating.
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Electroplating: A direct current is applied to the workpiece, causing the chromium ions in the electrolyte solution to migrate to the surface of the substrate. This process results in the deposition of a thin layer of chromium on the workpiece. The thickness of this layer can be controlled to meet specific requirements.
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Control of Plating Parameters: Precise control of variables such as bath temperature, current density, and plating time is crucial to achieving the desired plating thickness, hardness, and finish.
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Final Polishing: After chrome plating, the workpiece may undergo additional polishing or buffing to achieve a mirror-like, high-gloss finish.
The advantages of chrome plating are numerous and include:
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Corrosion Resistance: Chrome-plated surfaces are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for components exposed to harsh environments.
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Durability: The hard chrome layer significantly increases the wear resistance and lifespan of components, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
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Aesthetic Appeal: Chrome plating provides a visually appealing, shiny finish that enhances the appearance of various products and components.
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Easy Maintenance: Chrome-plated surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, helping to preserve their appearance and functionality over time.
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Improved Functionality: In some applications, chrome plating can improve the functionality of components by reducing friction and minimizing the risk of galling or seizing.
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Drilling Rig Rotor Shaft Plating
At BHC Industries Plating, we've been servicing customers in the petroleum industry since 1942. Working with heavy industry requires us to possess capabilities to accommodate the large scale requirements of this industry. The 55' drilling rig rotor shaft highlighted here exemplifies these capabilities.
This project posed not only machining and plating challenges but also several logistical challenges as Learn More
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Natural Gas Turbine Plating & Grinding
A customer in the solar power industry contracted us to repair a number of natural gas turbines with hard ID grinding (inside diameter) and chrome plating. The turbines, which were manufactured from a proprietary forging, had dimensions that ranged in size up to 22" in diameter.
ID grinding was completed on our advanced Heald 273A ID grinder, this capability allows us to grind inside diameters up to 24", and features a 24" swing. Once the ID surface was prepared we appl Learn More
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Artificial Lift Pump Barrel Plating
Artificial lifts are a mainstay of the US petroleum industry; in fact 96% of US wells require some form of artificial stimulation for crude extraction. Pump barrels are a crucial component of artificial lifts and a heavy wear item, operating an oil extraction operation requires constant refurbishment of pump barrels. Because of the sheer volume of refurbishments and the precision required, a cost effective solution is a must.
Low cost Asian solutions are problematic; the precision req Learn More
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Drilling Rig Main Shaft Coating
The project highlighted here exemplifies our ability to apply precision grinding and coating processes to large diameter shafts. This customer needed a phosphate coating applied to shafts with variable outside diameters of 8" to 24". Prior to coating the shafts are sand blasted, and then ground on our Landis OD Grinder, which features a 30" swing, and is capable of grinding components up to 240" between centers, and up to 12,000 lbs.
Once the shaft surface is prepa Learn More
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Aerospace & Oil Industry Electroless Plating
To better accommodate the diverse needs of our customers we also offer electroless nickel plating. Electroless plating has long been known for characteristics such as uniform application, its lubriciousness, solderability, and high resistant to corrosion. In most application these features would be enough, however at BHC Industries Plating; we're continually looking for ways to improve our processes. That's why we use AutoTech Heath 25 hard chrome plating in Learn More