Hard chrome, also called industrial chrome, has been in production use for more than seventy years. Materials science has produced a lot of alternatives in that time, and hard chrome is still there, which tells you something.
What it is
A thick chromium deposit applied by electrolysis, typically far thicker than decorative chrome. It is used for wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and dimensional restoration of worn components.
Why it persists
- Very high hardness and excellent wear resistance
- Corrosion resistant, and it stays bright over a long service life
- A mature, well-understood process with predictable cost
- It can be used to rebuild worn parts back to dimension, which is often cheaper than replacing them
Hard chrome vs decorative chrome
They share a name and not much else. Hard chrome is thick and functional: hydraulic rods, molds, wear surfaces. Decorative chrome is thin, applied over a nickel undercoat, and exists to look good and resist corrosion. If you specify "chrome plating" without saying which, you will get a phone call from us asking which one you meant.
Where you'll find it
Hydraulic cylinder rods, molds and dies, press tooling, shafts, and any component where a hard, low-friction, repairable surface is worth paying for. Wire and consumer hardware use decorative chrome instead. See chrome plating and wire mesh plating.
FAQ
What is the difference between hard chrome and decorative chrome?
Thickness and purpose. Hard chrome is thick and functional; decorative chrome is thin, bright, and plated over nickel.
Can hard chrome repair a worn part?
Yes. Dimensional restoration is one of its main industrial uses.
Do you offer chrome plating?
Yes. Request a quote.