Chrome plating is a metal coating method used to create a thin layer of chromium on the surface of a material. Chrome plating uses a technique called electroplating to produce layers of chromium less than 0.001 inch (0.025 mm).
Chromium plating can be used to create different chromium alloy coatings with various deposited thicknesses to improve corrosion and wear resistance.
There are two main types of chrome plating:
Decorative chrome. This type uses a layer of nickel and a layer of chrome. Nickel imparts a lustrous and polished appearance to surfaces. Once the nickel layer is deposited, a layer of chromium is added on top of it. The chromium layer contributes to the corrosion resistance of the material, while also increasing its resistance to scratches and abrasion. The total thickness of decorative chrome plating is usually under 0.001 inch.
Hard chrome plating. This type is often used in industrial settings where aesthetic appeal is not the main concern. Although hard chromium plating can improve the corrosion resistance of its applied materials, it is mainly used to improve the wear resistance of some parts. Hard chrome plating is commonly applied to all types of steel and is almost always thicker than decorative chrome plating.
