To understand the future, one should start with an understanding of history and the technology involved.
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Eric Svenson Sr.The element chromium was discovered in and isolated in . The first known chromium electrodeposit was achieved in by German scientist Dr. Geuther. In the first U.S. patent for chromium plating was granted to Emile Placet and Joseph Bonnet of Paris, France, with U.S. Patent #.
Dr. George Sargent improved the process in and established the standard 100:1 solution, which is still used today and known as the Sargent bath or the standard bath. In the process was further developed by Colin Fink and Charles Eldridge at Columbia University.
Hard chrome plating was commercialized in with the establishment of the Chemical Treatment Company in New York and the Chromium Products Corporation in New Jersey. A patent infringement suit caused the merger of these two companies forming the Chromium Corporation of America, which later operated a third chrome plating plant in Waterbury, Connecticut.
By chrome plated became a buzzword for a hard, wear-resistant, and durable finish that also offered improved corrosion protection. The industry grew rapidly from these initial companies, and soon afterward, other hard chrome job shops were operating in most large cities across America.
The industry continued to expand through the s and s. By there were literally thousands of hard chrome OEMs and job shops; some of the OEMs were large installations, as were a few of the job shops. Many job shops, however, were smaller family-based companies with only 2-10 employees.
Hexavalent hard chrome quickly developed into a widely used industrial process. The primary reason is the improved surface properties it provides to metallic parts and components. Among others, this includes surface hardness, lubricity, wearability, and corrosion resistance.
No other coating can provide these features as easily and inexpensively as hard chrome does. It found wide usage in industries like agriculture, aircraft, automotive, chemical, electrical, engines, fluid power, food processing, mining, optical, ordnance, paper, printing, railroad, textile, tooling, and even dies and molds. It is also widely used in weapon systems and aerospace applications. In short, it is vital to America's industry, economy, security, defense, and even Her sovereignty.
Our country would be crippled and our economy devastated without the properties that hexavalent hard chrome plating provides.
Up until the mid-, most hard chrome platers were unaware of the damage that chromic acid had on the environment. This was not isolated to the chrome platers because all industrial trades suffered the same ignorance regarding the negative effects of the chemicals they used.
Many chrome plating operations, especially the smaller ones, could not afford the equipment required to meet the newer regulations.
Because of this, chrome tanks were ventilated directly outside, and chrome baths were frequently dumped into city sanitary sewers because the cities had waste treatment abilities.
The EPA was established in , and OSHA in with mandates to improve and protect America's environment and workers. This resulted in regulations limiting the amount of chemicals that could be discharged or the workers exposed to. Fortunately, this had the effect of educating the industry about these dangers. Plating shops then installed waste treatment systems for their liquid waste products and air scrubbers for their ventilation systems.
Over time the regulations for liquid and air discharges were tightened to where they currently are today. Many chrome plating operations, especially the smaller ones, could not afford the equipment required to meet the newer regulations. They simply decided to cease operation and go out of business. A number of OEM captive operations also closed their chrome shops over excessive fears about environmental liabilities.
By the tightened regulations caused a 50% reduction in the number of hard chrome operations in the United States. However, this proved beneficial for the shops that survived as they were able to increase profits.
A reduction of that magnitude doesn't appear to satisfy the environmental appetite as it continues and has even become magnified. We need regulations to control the release of hazardous chemicals, but much of the attack on hexavalent chrome is unjustified. An example is the 'potential' for one cancer death per million as justification. Amazingly it was never proven that exposure to chromic acid at normal safe working levels actually causes cancer.
The recent attempts to ban hexavalent chrome appear like it is being coordinated by some outside invisible force. California's Air Resources Board (CARB) is trying to ban hexavalent hard chrome by January 1, . The European Union's REACH program voted to ban the use of chromic acid and other hexavalent chrome chemicals for most manufacturing processes in the EU by September 21, . It isn't much of a stretch that the Federal EPA might also want to take further draconian steps against this essential industry.
They could not have chosen a worse chemical to further restrict or ban because hard chrome plating is so vital to our industry and economy. Other hexavalent chromium chemicals are used in many critical applications as well. This is a shame, as chrome has many unique properties that can't be duplicated by any other process.
Our lifestyles and America's prosperity, safety, and security are not a birthright. These are the dividends of prior hard work, unbiased research, freedom of speech, and advancement by merit. A degraded system results when these basic fundamentals are tampered with. Claims that hexavalent chrome is too dangerous to work with is an example of such tampering. In sum, environmentalists are ignoring the fact that hexavalent chrome plating can be done safely and with complete environmental protection. Instead, they prefer to restrict its use or ban it altogether while insisting that inferior replacement processes, like trivalent chrome, are a suitable replacement. Their claims are absurd, and their 'solution' will destroy a very viable and necessary industry.
Hexavalent chromium (chromic acid) is actually quite benign. Of course, it's hazardous, but so is every other industrial chemical. In terms of hazard, chromic acid is realistically a 2 on a scale of 1-10. Granted, we shouldn't inhale chrome fumes or pour them down the drain. But the issue of protecting the environment and our employees was solved a long time ago. That's what ventilation and Zero Discharge systems are for. They do an excellent job of keeping everything safe and legal.
The real problem behind the attack on hexavalent hard chrome is more political than environmental.
Over three generations have worked with hard chrome their entire lives, and we don't know of a single case where anyone died of cancer because of it.
Ironically, the body needs chrome to live, and without it, we would die from a disease similar to diabetes. Chromium is needed for proper metabolism, maintaining low triglyceride and cholesterol levels, keeping blood pressure in check, preventing depression, and even good eyesight. Witness the fact that many multivitamins now contain a small amount of chromium.
The ironic part is our bodies magically convert hexavalent chrome into the trivalent form without doing much damage unless introduced in large doses. Over three generations have worked with hard chrome their entire lives, and we don't know of a single case where anyone died of cancer because of it.
The research was started around to find a substitute for hard chrome. This was fueled by the false belief that chrome is bad and, therefore, must be replaced with something else. Some of this research was done with federal government-funded grants. Several potential replacements were later developed, including:
None of these replacements can replace hexavalent hard chrome on all part types, sizes, and applications. Each is a specialized coating with a rather narrow process window that has issues such as:
The Ni/SiC composite nickel process is actually the best choice if a replacement process is eventually required. Its wear life and wearability are about the same as hard chrome; it plates 10 times faster and has excellent throwing power without fuming because of its near 100% efficiency. This process, like hard chrome, is also easy to zero discharge. Its only downside is the higher CAPEX and OPEX costs and the number of tanks required.
While hard chrome may be over-engineered for some applications, it is a terrific coating for any surface where hardness and wear resistance are needed. This is especially true if the ease of application and cost is any concern.
The very reason that hard chrome gained widespread use so quickly is due to its utility, versatility, ease of control, and low cost. Hard chrome is commonly used to plate both large and small parts individually or in high volumes, frequently with great precision. Hard chrome has many attributes that cannot be achieved by any other process. It is relatively inexpensive, and it generates zero waste products when properly applied.
It is the writer's opinion that the federal government will not ultimately ban hexavalent chrome because of its requirement for items like aircraft landing gears and weapon systems. In addition, most industries will not accept a replacement coating because hexavalent hard chrome has proven superior for almost 100 years. Any other process is apt to degrade performance across a multitude of industries. The regulators will eventually realize these facts and withdraw their attack. The EPA could, however, further tighten the air and water discharge limits. This won't matter to those forward-looking operations that upgraded to sustainable processing as their numbers are already at zero, and the authorities cannot regulate below this.
One thing that may occur, however, is further consolidation in the hard chrome plating industry. Some of the larger operations may acquire smaller shops, and some OEMs may acquire chrome operations to enhance their manufacturing abilities.
Like it or not, all platers are in this fight together.
The American hard chrome platers are encouraged to be steadfast, to maintain and even improve their operations during these difficult times. The plating operations that upgrade their equipment and processes using the sustainable approach can easily demonstrate their safe application with zero emissions. You can't get any better than zero, while most replacement coatings are known as waste generators.
We foresee a very bright future ahead for hard chrome operations. Both job and captive shops will prosper with improved methods and upgraded equipment. The shops that survive this onslaught will be in a unique position to capitalize on increased market share and profits.
Chrome plating has been our passion and our livelihood for generations. It's how we live, how we feed and support our families. It is an important skilled trade that we are proud to pass on to future generations.
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Like it or not, all platers are in this fight together. If the environmental extremists want to ban hexavalent chrome and destroy our industry, they can also do it to nickel, copper, or any other metal you choose to plate.
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Hydraulic cylinder chrome plating is a critical process for restoring the performance and durability of hydraulic cylinders. In this comprehensive blog post, follow along as our team at Cylinders, Inc. explores the definition, benefits, and types of hydraulic cylinder chroming.
Whether you're looking to protect against corrosion, improve wear resistance, or enhance the aesthetic appeal of your hydraulic cylinders, understanding the intricacies of chrome plating is essential. Let's delve into the various types of chrome plating available and provide insights on how to choose the right one for your needs. Read on to learn all about the purpose, techniques, and advantages of chrome plating for hydraulic cylinders.
Let's start with the basics. Hydraulic cylinder chrome plating is the process of electroplating a smooth, durable chrome coating onto hydraulic cylinder rods and other surfaces. It involves submerging components in a chrome bath and using electrical current to deposit a uniform chrome layer.
There's a reason hydraulic cylinder chrome repair jobs have become so popular. With a host of benefits, and with a unique process to achieve, many are opting for this improvement to their hydraulic cylinders. Here are some reasons why this is so popular.
Electro-deposited chrome provides hydraulic components with an exceptionally hard surface. Through the chrome plating process, the components gain increased hardness without altering their inherent properties. This allows the components to retain their original strength and characteristics.
By combining exceptional hardness and low friction properties, hard chrome plating provides hydraulic cylinders with unparalleled resilience against abrasion and mechanical contact. The hard chrome surface forms a protective barrier that withstands the wear and tear caused by constant use and contact with other surfaces.
Hydraulic cylinder chroming is a process that offers exceptional oxidation resistance and improved resistance to both oxidizing and reducing agents. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where the cylinder is exposed to harsh environmental conditions or corrosive substances. The chrome plating creates a protective barrier that effectively guards against oxidation and helps the cylinders maintain optimal performance and durability over time.
As compared to steel, hard chrome has a super low coefficient of friction which allows a component to operate at a lower temperature. With this lower temperature during operation, many can postpone hydraulic cylinder repair until it's necessary.
Hard chrome deposits on cylinder rods can be easily and conveniently removed using chemical strippers, without causing any damage to the underlying base material. This unique feature allows the chrome plating to be stripped and re-plated as needed. It also helps ensure the longevity and performance of the cylinder rods. By removing and reapplying the chrome plating, the structure beneath the surface remains intact and the integrity of the cylinder rod is preserved.
One of the advantages of hard chrome plating is its microcrack properties, which contribute to improved oil retention in the plated areas. These microcracks act as reservoirs, holding a thin layer of oil on the surface of the chrome, enhancing lubrication and reducing friction.
Now that we know all the benefits of chrome cylinder plating, it's time to understand the process. A hydraulic cylinder chrome rod repair with plating takes time and care. You must understand the process to achieve the desired finish. To make things as easy as possible, we're sharing a step-by-step guide to chrome plating.
At the initial inspection, the rod is evaluated to determine its condition before chrome plating. This is where an inspector should look for any signs of corrosion, pitting, marring, damage, or cracking. Any damage will affect future steps of the re-chroming process.
Before the new chrome application, the old surface must be removed. However, to preserve the material beneath without reducing the diameter of the rod itself, this process must be done very carefully. There are two different approaches: grinding and stripping.
Now that the old chrome has been removed from the metal parts, it's time to clean the surfaces. The rod should be cleaned and all debris and contaminants should be removed. If you don't clean the rod first, anomalies could occur in the plating process, causing pitting or flaking, and ultimately limiting the lifespan of the newly plated chrome cylinder rod.
To plate the cylinder, it must be placed in a bath containing a solution of dissolved metal molecules. During this, electrodes are attached to the rod and a positive current is applied to the solution. This allows the metal particles in the solution to attract to the surface and adhere to it.
With heightened technical needs, a precise amount of current must be delivered at a steady rate, while the bath chemistry and temperature must remain the same throughout the entire plating process. Any interruptions or errors in the power and temperature will result in a poor chroming job and cause the chrome cylinder rod to require more refinishing repair.
Now that a fresh layer of chrome is on the rod, it's time to finish it up. This involves two steps: post-grinding and linishing.
Before wrapping up the cylinder, it's time for an inspection. A professional has a trained eye and can carefully account for the thickness and roughness of the rod to determine the quality.
The final step of the hydraulic cylinder rod chrome plating process is wrapping. During this step, the rod is securely wrapped in cardboard and protective plastic to safeguard the chrome while it's transported back to where it belongs.
There's more than one type of chrome surface to consider. A few different types of chrome plating can be used on hydraulic cylinders, depending on the application and required durability.
The attractive, reflective finish of engineering chrome plating makes it popular. Still, its use goes beyond simply providing an aesthetically pleasing look. Chrome plating also serves a practical purpose as a protective layer so it's often employed in cylinder rods, piston rings, gun bores, and railers.
Decorative chrome is a combination of nickel and copper beneath a thin chromium coating, which creates a glossy and reflective surface and provides protection against corrosion. It not only enhances the aesthetics of the object but also provides excellent corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for both functional and decorative purposes. The versatility and durability of decorative chrome plating make it a preferred option for achieving a sleek and stylish look in various industries.
Black chrome plating is a specialized process that adds a stylish and distinctive touch to various objects through a unique black finish. This type of plating is commonly used for decorative purposes, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic. The black chrome plating process involves depositing a layer of black chromium onto the surface, resulting in a reflective black coating.
Flash chrome plating is ideal for applications exposed to light wear, as it offers good corrosion resistance despite its thin layer. This type of plating is employed as a decorative finish and for parts that require rust and corrosion resistance.
Hexavalent chrome plating, also known as hexavalent chromium plating, is a traditional plating method that utilizes a solution containing compounds of hexavalent chromium. This process offers excellent corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Thin dense chrome plating improves metal surfaces' corrosion and wear resistance. Its electrolyte solution is made of chromium and sulfuric acid and an anode of pure chromium metal, which creates a very thin, dense coating of chromium on the surface of the metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
Hard chrome plating is a process that coats metal parts with a hard, wear-resistant layer. It's commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and engineering industries to protect components from corrosion, wear, and abrasion. It can also increase the surface hardness of other metals, such as stainless steel.
The longevity of your equipment's chrome plating largely depends on its condition and the environment in which you use it. Generally, re-chroming services should be performed every couple of decades in non-wear situations.
The need for re-chroming services is usually decided by the thickness of the chrome layer, how often maintenance and care are provided, and the quality of the chrome plating materials.
Chrome plating provides a nice finish and protects your equipment from wear, impact, and corrosion. If you see any signs of damage or rust, you may need re-chroming services sooner rather than later.
The process of hydraulic cylinder chroming takes special attention and care, ensuring that the newly-plated chrome cylinder has the correct thickness and roughness for it to function properly in your machinery. While this takes special care and attention, it's well worth the effort to extend the lifetime of your chrome cylinder rod.
To have an expert team handle your hydraulic cylinder chrome repair, Cylinders, Inc. is here to assist. As an expert hydraulic cylinder re-chroming company, our team will work hard to ensure your cylinder rod is expertly repaired for years of use ahead. To begin the process of working with our friendly and experienced team, contact us online today.
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