What is Hard Chrome Plating?
Hard chromium, alternatively termed industrial hard chrome or engineered chrome, is used to minimize friction, supplement durability through abrasion tolerance and wear resistance, and reduce galling or seizing of industrial parts. It is considered top tier, or the most versatile coating accessible for the largest amount of applications in the industrial sector. Although many choices are available, Hausner Hard-Chrome (HHC) Plating must be considered because of its enhanced performance characteristics covering a wide range of applications.
Tough Protection all the Time
Because of its hardness and versatility of part shape, HHC hard chrome is the coating of choice for many parts. The hard chrome plating process outperforms stainless steels, hardened steel, and AR 400 wear plate for wear and abrasion resistance while also exhibiting low friction qualities. It scores a 68-72 on the Rockwell C scale and 850-1100 on the Vickers scale. This allows hard chrome plating to be highly resistant to abuse, including wear and scratches, even staying attached to base metals when other coatings tend to disengage. These properties are demonstrated through 10,000 PSI adhesion testing and by ASTM G65 wear testing which showed a 5 times greater life-cycle with HHC hard chrome applied over the AR400 wear plate than without as an example. The remarkable adhesion is partly due to stringent electro-chemical cleaning procedures prior to deposition, allowing HHC hard chrome to be applied to a wide array of substrates.
The Greatest Advantages of HHC Hard-Chrome
HHC has the unique ability to deposit thick layers of hard-chrome, from .0005” up to .150” in (.012mm – 3.81mm) thickness in some special applications. Because of the low temperatures at which it can be applied (lower than 145°F), Hausner hard chrome plating can be used as bulking material for worn or mis-machined production parts to restore their original specifications cost-efficiently. Where some rebuild shops may choose a high heat part distorting weld, HHC applies a heavy chrome layer without the distortion but also inherently providing the full advantages of wear resistance in the process.
Superior oxidation resistance is another uncommon advantage of Hausner hard chrome plating. Because HHC hard chrome plating remains untouched by many chemicals and gases, it can be combined with HDVF chrome to achieve optimal base metal protection against corrosion and distortion. Additionally with a melting temperature of 1,900°C and a high load capacity, HHC plating retains its distinguishing high performance properties under the highest temperatures and pressure of 10,000 psi.
Reduce Friction, Reduce Wear!
The following table outlines HHC hard chrome plating’s friction coefficients. Clearly the HHC process is the standard for low friction coefficients.
Coefficient of Friction of Electrolytic Chromium
| Material Pairs | Friction | |
| Static | Sliding | |
| Chromium plated steel on chromium plated steel | 0.14 | 0.12 |
| Chromium plated steel on bearing metal | 0.15 | 0.13 |
| Chromium plated steel on steel | 0.17 | 0.16 |
| Steel on Steel | 0.30 | 0.20 |
| Bright Chromium on cast iron | *** | 0.06 |
| Bright Chromium on bronze | *** | 0.05 |
| Bright Chromium on bearing material | *** | 0.08 |
| Hardened steel on cast iron | *** | 0.22 |
| Chromium plated steel on silver | 0.20 | 0.05-0.12 |
| Chromium plated steel on white metal | 0.50 | 0.07-0.14 |
Both large and small parts are can be accommodated by Hausner Hard-Chrome. This is an advantage whether it is for one piece or 1000. Two locations provide customers with high-quality, exemplary service, and innovative ideas to help solve issues.
Hausner Hard-Chrome is considered the leader in the Industrial or Engineered Chromium field; customers with both large and small companies depend on HHC. Contact us for more information or professional advice on your parts and projects at www.hausnerinc.com
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