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Design Recommendations For Hard Chrome Plating

Following is a list of recommendations when preparing machined surfaces for hard chrome plating. Contact us for more information or to request a quote.

Treatment of Machined Surfaces Prior to Plating

Surface Condition Problem Remedy
Sharp Edges This condition creates a buildup of nodular chromium which is brittle and breaks, or cracks, in grinding. Do not terminate chromium abruptly on sharp edges but radius the edge with a minimum 1/32 inch or more prior to plating.
the problem with sharp edges when hard chrome plating the remedy for sharp edges when hard chrome plating
Inside Corners This low-current density condition creates a very thin deposit, or no coverage of chromium in a corner. Never machine inside corners square, but rather use the methods of machining shown below before plate.
 the problem with inside corners in hard chrome plating the remedy for inside corners in hard chrome plating
Threads and Splines Chromium progressively builds up on top of the thread and deposits lesser amount in the root. This tapered deposit affects thread or spine configuration. If no chromium is necessary, mask the areas; otherwise, radius the edges and minimize chromium thickness. Where heavy deposits are required, machine the surface to allow for chromium buildup.
the problem with threads and splines for hard chrome plating the remedy for threads and splines for hard chrome plating

Chromium's Effect on Surface Finish

Chromium duplicates the machined surface finish up to 0.002 thick, and thereafter a progressive increase in microinch finish is detectable with any increase in thickness. This condition is slightly exaggerated on shot-peened, liquid-honed, or dry-blasted surfaces.

Chromium never “levels off” or “fills in” surface imperfections. Such defects as pits, cracks, or scratches are amplified, and the surface should be polished beforehand; otherwise, it must be ground after plating.

Specifying Chromium on a Blueprint

Prior to finalizing a specification, consultation with a U.S. Chrome engineering representative is recommended in order to take fullest advantage of the properties of chromium as well as to avoid potential problems.

Consultation involves such design parameters as:

  1. Selection of the desired type of chromium coating: conventional, crack-free, oil retentive, etc.
  2. Exact location of the chromium deposit.
  3. Best method of stopping off the deposit.
  4. Specific deposit thickness and tolerance requirements.
  5. Before and after plate dimensions, tolerances used up in machining and plating.
  6. Treatment of machine pre-plate surface and machine finish requirement.
  7. Specification of U.S. Chrome plating to finish size or overplating and grinding.

Suggested Thickness and Tolerance Hold

ConditionThicknessTolerance
Light, corrosive atmosphere0.0002-0.0005 thick0.001
Most wear applications0.0007-0.0015 thick0.001
Water and chemical attack0.002-0.005 thick0.002

These thicknesses and tolerances are related to the surface finish of the machined part, its size, and its configuration. Closer tolerances are attainable but are normally restricted to production applications where setup costs are justified.

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