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CHROMIUM PLATING SOLUTIONS

There are two types of chromium plating: industrial and decorative. Industrial chromium plating is also referred to as Hard Chrome or Engineered Chrome. There are two types of Industrial chromium plating solutions:
1. Hexavalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromic anhydride.
2. Trivalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromium sulfate or chromium chloride. Trivalent chromium baths are not yet common, due to restrictions concerning color, brittleness, and plating thickness.


TYPICAL BATH COMPOSITION AND OPERATION OF THE HEXAVALENT BATH


  • Chromic Acid (CrO3): 250–300 g/l.

  • Sulfuric Acid : 2.5–3.0 g/l.

  • Operating temperature: 45 to 60 °C.

  • Plating current: 1.55–3.10 kiloamperes per square meter DC .

  • Maximum superimposed AC ripple allowed is 18%, preferred ripple is 5% to 10%.

  • Anodes: Lead with up to 7% Tin or Antimony .

  • Chromium may be stripped anodically in an aqueous solution of Sodium Hydroxide .


The materials described herein are extremely hazardous. They are toxic, corrosive and damaging to the environment. Their use, storage, and disposal are governed by law in most jurisdictions. Personal safety equipment and proper containment facilities are considered mandatory.


QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

Hard chromium layers (over 10 micrometres)can be used in various applications and consequently subject to different types of quality requirements. Hard chromium layers on piston rods of hydraulic cylinders are tested on corrosion resistance in salt spray cabinets. Because these are destructive tests, only representative sample material can be tested. The salt spray solutions and the conditions in the cabinet are normed as well as the evaluation of the result after the test. The duration of the test is depending the agressivity of the test and the general expectation the industry has developed for this type of materials. In general there is a requirement that the deposit be uniform in thickness on all surfaces, and should be smooth, homogeneous and free from frosty areas, pin holes, pits, nodules, and other defects.


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