When it comes time to choose between hard chrome and electroless nickel plating, you might be faced with a difficult decision. Both are useful, but the right option for you depends on how you plan to use the plated component.
Once you’ve analyzed your needs for your plated component, you can determine whether hard chrome plating is the right choice for you. It has the following attributes:
High Hardness: Electro-deposited chrome is extremely hard, with typical values of 850 – 1050 HV (63 – 70 HRc), hence the term “Hard” Chrome. This makes it an excellent coating for wear resistant and abrasion resistant applications such as moulds and dies, punches, bearing and seal surfaces, and sliding components.
Wear Resistance: The high hardness and low frictional properties of hard chrome provide it with extremely good resistance to abrasive and erosive wear, extending the life of components such as moulds, dies and punches etc, up to ten times in most cases.
Low Coefficient Of Friction: Hard chrome has a very low coefficient of friction, approx. one half that of steel. The coefficient against steel of 0.16 lubricated (0.21 dry), makes it ideally suited for such applications as bearing and seal surfaces, and machinery components.
Corrosion Resistance: Hard chrome has an extremely high resistance to atmospheric oxidation, and a good resistance to most oxidising and reducing agents. (with the exception to chlorides and other halides), hence its wide-spread use in the food and chemical industries.
Hard chrome is a versatile and highly-functional plating material. In some situations, however, electroless nickel would be the better choice. Here’s when you should go for electroless nickel:
Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: If corrosion is a major concern of yours, electroless nickel should be your go-to plating material. The uniformity and smoothness of the plating leaves no room for moisture and other elements to get through, protecting your component, helping it to work better and last longer.
Uniformity: Electroless nickel’s uniformity enhances its corrosion resistance and also makes it perfect for coating irregularly-shaped items. If the component has a lot of rough surfaces, holes and other hard-to-cover areas, reach for this material to make sure every inch of your equipment gets protection.
