Chrome plating is a popular surface treatment. It’s used to increase the corrosion resistance, durability, and appearance of various products. This includes our ERW tubes if you want it. The process consists of introducing a thin chromium layer onto the surface. We want to go over factors that influence the plating and discuss some common applications, so read on to learn more.
Type of material
The success of chrome plating primarily depends on the material you are working with. Individual materials have their own properties that determine how they respond. Metals like aluminium, brass, and steel get chrome plated regularly. Plastics like ABS can also have a chrome layer, but need extra preparation steps. Non-conducive materials need a base layer to ensure the surface is appropriate for plating.
Carbon steel sees extensive use in all kinds of industries. Its balanced mix of affordability, strength, and hardness make it useful for many applications. Yet, its limited corrosion resistance often calls for chrome plating. It increases durability, and defends against wear and tear.
Alloy steel is famous for its superior toughness and strength. Usually, it doesn’t need chrome plating thanks to its corrosion resistance. This is attributed to alloying elements like molybdenum and nickel. In harsh settings though, you can apply plating to enhance surface hardness.
Stainless steel is one of the most famous alloys. It comes with wonderful corrosion resistance because of the chromium content. As such, it rarely needs chrome plating. Saying this, it could still benefit from it in extreme circumstances for the extra durability and protection.
Preparation
Something equally as pivotal to the quality of chrome plating is preparation. You need to think about this with every product, including sheets and ERW tubes.
Cleaning and degreasing the material disposes of contaminants capable of interfering with adhesion. Surface etching or roughening improves the bond between the chromium and base material. Skipping these steps can result in peeling over time or uneven finishes. Suitable preparation guarantees the chrome adheres properly. You will therefore have a visually appealing, durable exterior.
Plating thickness
Another factor that has an impact on quality is plating thickness. It directly influences performance. A thin layer could supply a polished aesthetic, but may lack in durability. With a thick layer, there is more surface hardness and corrosion resistance. Excessive thickness can lead to uneven finishes or cracking though.
You should determine the preferred thickness based on your intended application. For decorative purposes, use a thinner layer. With industrial uses, a thick layer will give you superior protection against wear and tear. Consistency over the exterior is also necessary to obtain a top quality finish.
Environmental conditions during plating
The conditions when applying chromium can change the final outcome. Factors playing a part here include the cleanliness of the plating environment, humidity, and temperature. High temperatures are able to accelerate the procedure. If you don’t control the temperature though, it can compromise adhesion. Excessive humidity leads to moisture. This results in defects like uneven coverage and pitting.
Preserving a controlled and clean environment lowers contamination risks. Oils, dust, or other particles in the air are capable of settling on the surface. As a result, they will affect the chrome layer’s uniformity. By guaranteeing optimal environmental conditions, you can gain a durable and flawless chrome finish on ERW tubes and other products.
Applications
Finally, we have the applications. Many of these give a clear idea of why quality is important.
One common application is automotive parts. Chrome plating appears on grilles, bumpers, and engine components to defend against wear and tear. Many of these parts are vital for the aesthetics, so a good finish is essential.
Another application is industrial machinery. Shafts, piston rods, and hydraulic cylinders benefit from the plating. They do for smooth performance, wear resistance, and durability. Quality here is important to ensure a longer lifecycle for equipment.
With home appliances, chrome plating is useful on refrigerator handles, taps, and other items. This is for corrosion resistance as well as aesthetics.
Defence equipment also uses chrome, including on military parts like gears, tanks, and firearms. They need it for wear resistance, strength, and protection from harsh environments.
Come to us for quality ERW tubes
At Union Steel Tubes, we produce tubing in all kinds of forms. This includes different sizes of round, square, oval, and rectangle tube. We also offer chrome plating and galvanisation to finish them. We’re certain they’ll help you with your projects.
So, if you find yourself needing ERW tubes, please let us know. We can answer any questions and provide recommendations.