ADAPTABILITY

Practically all metals can be chromium plated if properly prepared for the process, although many metals require different processes for chromium plating.  Chromium can even be plated onto itself with good adherence; no other metal can offer this benefit except with very special processing, and then adherence is sometimes doubtful.

SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS

Under proper conditions, chromium produces the longest wearing surface on cylinder walls of anything yet created.  Etching is commonly done to produce "hydrophilic" chrome.  Hydrophilic stands for "loves water."  With this process the chrome surface will hold water for controlled time periods.  Matte, polished, or mirror (0-1 RMS) finishes are available.

TOLERANCES

When it is important that close tolerances be maintained and smooth operation is necessary, nothing compares with chromium plated rolls and parts.

HARDNESS

Chromium is the hardest of the commercially plated metals.  In Mohs Scale it is next to the diamond  in hardness.  Chromium rates 9, the diamond 10.  Chromium rated 66-72 Rockwell C or 1000-1050 Brinell hardness.

LOW FRICTION

Chromium has an extremely low coefficient of friction and therefore is invaluable for plating moving parts subject to frictional wear.  Its slickness along with its hardness can mean a service life that is two to five times that of other metals.  With low friction and thus less heat, chromed surfaces are highly resistant to scuffing and galling.  The result is less power loss due to friction, an important factor in many industries.

CORROSION RESISTANCE

Chromium has great corrosion resistance and is, in fact, practically noncorrosive.  It is not affected by alkalies, organic acids or most inorganic acids.  Few metals offer all these benefits.

TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS

Chromium's heat conductivity is its melting point of 3500°F.  It resists oxidation up to 1150°F.  A well-plated bearing journal will withstand heat sufficient to melt the mating bearing.  Pounding can destroy a chromium plated part, but even so it often prevents severe damage to the base metal.