Determine which hard chrome process is best for you with our Reference Guide.

The chrome plating process was developed in 1923. Hard chrome offers a wide range of characteristics that no other material on the market possesses: longer product life, extra strength, hardness, lubricity, durability and corrosion resistance. Hydraulics, molds, printing presses and other OEM equipment use hard chrome to repair, retrofit and extend equipment life.

What is Hard Chrome?

Hard chrome is a rugged, durable plating that resists corrosion and wear. Manufacturing, molding, mining, agricultural and chemical industries rely on hard chrome. Hard chrome is applied by using chromic acid through an electrolytic process. Chromium metal adheres to the products surface in thicknesses as small as "ten thousandths" of an inch (.0001).   

Conforming Anodes

With such a vast diversity of parts that must be plated for our customers, United Hard Chrome gives unparalleled attention to detail and quality. We maximize plating efficiency and consistent chromium thicknesses improve by a precise conforming anode to cathode ratio-imperative.

At United Hard Chrome, we specialize in  OEM and retrofit applications intended to significantly extend the life of parts subject to friction, corrosion and wear.

Hard chromed products have been proven to last up to 10 times longer than non plated parts in hostile or high demand production environments. Extending a products life with continued operational reliability saves money, time and labor. Equipment or parts operating in corrosive or high temperature environments benefit from hard chrome.

Substrates

The hard chrome plating possesses at United Hard Chrome can be applied to a wide variety of materials which are called substrates.

• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Cast Iron
• Copper Alloys
• Bronzes

Corrosion Resistant

Hard chrome does not corrode. Hard chrome plated equipment produces a bright luster exterior finish. Listed below are various solutions or hostile environments which hard chrome plating extends equipment life and improves equipment performance.

• Brine
• Organic acids
• Gases
• Oils
• Sugar
• Cyanides
• Fruit acids
• Molten glass
• Glue
• Dairy products
• Fuels
• Brewing (malts, hops)

Hard Chrome resists abrasion because of its excellent lubricity properties and significantly extends the product or parts life. Therefore hydraulic rams, valves, bearings, pumps, cylinders and moving parts found in manufacturing and production equipment are big users of Hard chrome. Many of our customers apply hard chrome to new equipment or when the equipment is ready for retrofitting or repair.