RECOMMENDATION

Long life
of parts or machine components

All chromium processes extend product life as does the thickness and wear characteristics of chromium. Special electroplating processes and engineered compounds such as DuraFin SFP^® offer additional product life and superior wear and corrosion resistance.

Lubricity

All hard chromium processes vastly improve lubricity. For extra lubricity, corrosion resistance and additional product life use a proprietary process such as DuraFin SFP^®. Each electroplater should have statistical information discussing the testing. (See ours here.)

Maintain UNIFORM chrome THICKNESS between parts or machinery component parts

Any process using precise anode to cathode ratio. Not every electroplater has this quality control capability despite marketing claims. Perform tests to verify an electroplaters ability.

Corrosive environment

Hard chrome is often the choice for steel mill pickling and other hostile environments. Purchase the most corrosion resistance and hard chrome life available (such as DuraFin SFP^®). Also keep in mind that if the component parts operating in a hostile environment have crevices and corners use an electroplater who has the ability to adhere chromium in these difficult to plate areas via strict anode to cathode ratios. Only electroplaters with substantial quality control features and well maintained equipment have this capability.

Price

If price is the main issue then use standard or conventional hard chrome electroplating.

Price / Performance

Calculate with your electroplater which process offers you a blend of product life, lubricity, wear and corrosion resistance.

Performance

If your goal for electroplating is extended equipment life or extra corrosion resistance you should consider a specialty engineered compound. Our DuraFin SFP^® is a great choice over standard hard chrome processes.

Hydraulics

Typically a ram or shaft requires wear resistance and lubricity. Microcracked chrome can be a good price performance option. If you wish chrome performance greater then Microcracked chrome seek a premium specialty like DuraFin SFP^®.