How do you plate Chrome on Steel?
ziegl...@cobra.uni.edu
Hello, I am a student and interested in knowing how to plate chrome
onto steel. I would like to know the process and any chemicals that may be
involved.
Thanks in advance,
Todd Ziegler
ziegl...@cobra.uni.edu
Ted Mooney
>To All:
> Hello, I am a student and interested in knowing how to plate chrome
>onto steel. I would like to know the process and any chemicals that may be
>involved.
> Thanks in advance,
Decorative chrome plating is actually nickel electroplating with a quick flash of chrome for tarnish resistance. True chrome plating=
on steel is done for lubricity and wear resistance, and is not decorative.
The parts are cleaned in a strong and hot alkali, then placed in the chrome plating vat with reverse current to etch the steel so th=
ere will be tooth to it and good adhesion. Then the current is made direct, and chrome is deposited.
The solution used is about 32 oz/gal of chromic acid, operated at about 140 degrees F., and a current density of about 150 amps/sq. =
ft. The anodes are lead or a lead alloy. The 'secret' of conventional chrome palting is the catalyst, sulfuric acid. It must be pres=
ent at very nearly the exact ratio of 100 parts chromic acid to 1 part of sulfuric acid for chrome plating to work at all.
I hope the above doesn't make it sound easy because it isn't.
-- Ted Mooney
Visit 'the home page of the finishing industry' at
http://www.finishing.com