Brass
Brass is a versatile, binary alloy made from zinc and copper that carries multiple advantages — it is affordable, low-friction and highly machinable, and it also maintains good heat and electrical conductivity. You can utilize brass in various ways, but you can also add to its overall finish and properties with multiple plating processes.
Hard Chrome Specialists, an ISO-certified business, offers in-house services with quick turnaround times. We produce high-quality results by analyzing your requirements and forming optimal solutions.
Can Brass Be Chrome Plated?
It might seem unorthodox, but the answer to the above question is a resounding "yes." Plating chrome on brass is a specialized process that entails coating brass with a layer of chromium. Chrome plating gives brass a bright, highly reflective, mirrorlike finish that is visually appealing and often used for decorative purposes. The finish is similar in appearance to metals like electropolished stainless steel and polished aluminum, but chrome plating has a bluer tone.
Our Process for Chrome Plating on Brass
We will begin the job by thoroughly cleaning the components' surfaces of the components with a solvent to remove dirt, debris and other kinds of grime. We might also buff the item with a polishing pad to ensure a clean surface free of imperfections, which the chrome will mirror. We will then immerse it into a chrome bath, free of the voltage at first, to allow for warming and etching.
The electricity will begin to flow, and we will carefully modulate the voltage to meet standard plating procedures. We will grind down the finish post-process to eliminate any uneven buildups.
Benefits of Chrome Plating for Brass
Chrome plating on brass increases this malleable alloy's natural durability, giving it impact and corrosion resistance with a shiny, aesthetically pleasing finish. Chromium coats feature a reduced risk of de-lamination, meaning you can expect the plating to hold up over long periods. Chrome plating can also evenly coat irregularly shaped substrates, which allows for better results.
Chrome surfaces are also much easier to clean and maintain due to their smooth nature, which repels grime and dirt. Simply wiping them down can make them look as good as new. Their low maintenance requirements make them ideal for use in environments where cleanliness and aesthetics are crucial, such as the food and beverage industry.
What Are Common Applications for Chrome Plating on Brass?
Chrome-plated brass has numerous applications, especially for objects that need to resist scratches, rusting and other imperfections. For instance, you'll often see hard chrome plating on brass when people use it for decorative purposes — like cabinet pulls and sink faucets — due to the appealing shine of chrome. You may also see it on plumbing materials and hardware, such as pipes faucets, shower heads and other fittings.
Chrome plating benefits musical instruments such as saxophones and trumpets, giving them a magnificent shine and preserving their quality of sound by protecting them from the corrosion and wear that often come from frequent use.
Chrome-plated brass is also a popular choice in the automotive industry for making door handles, emblems and trims. Its glossy finish and resistance to wear provide the necessary durability and aesthetic appeal required in these parts. It also maintains its shine for a long time, even under harsh conditions.
Can Brass be Nickel-Plated?
Brass can be nickel-plated. Nickel plating on brass is a common practice used to enhance the surface properties of brass components. It makes them suitable for harsh environments such as chemical processing plants, marine applications and outdoor components exposed to the elements.
How We Nickel-Plate Brass
Unlike chrome plating, which utilizes electricity as a driver, our nickel plating uses a chemical reduction process. We submerge the item in an aqueous solution that contains an agent, which reduces the nickel ions and encourages deposition.
Overall, it produces a smoother coat when compared to electroplating. By using this method, we can also easily control the thickness level of the layer that we apply, giving you the exact result you'd prefer.
Benefits of Nickel-Plated Brass
If you want superior corrosion resistance, then you need electroless nickel plating on your brass. Although this material already possesses good corrosion resistance due to the presence of copper in its composition, nickel plating significantly improves brass corrosion resistance. The process produces a less-porous, all-enveloping barrier, meaning there will be fewer risks for environmental factors to leak in. You will also receive a low coefficient of friction.
What Are Common Applications for Electroless Nickel Plating on Brass?
Nickel-plated brass components are often used for applications demanding outstanding corrosion resistance and enhanced aesthetic appeal. You will often see nickel plating used on brass bullets, as many users prefer the unique look, improved corrosion resistance and quicker reloading. Unlike standard brass bullet casings, nickel-plated brass casings will not tarnish with repeated handling. Other applications include items that see increased environmental stress and frequent use, such as:
- Automotive parts exposed to high temperatures and corrosive substances
- Gears, rotors, pistons and any moving machine parts that require minimal friction
- Heat sinks
- Screws
- Battery casings
- Plumbing systems subject to corrosive water or chemicals
- Hydraulic systems
- Electrical components and connectors exposed to harsh environments that demand resistance to oxidation and improved conductivity
- Marine applications such as boat fittings and marine plumbing systems demanding superior resistance to saltwater corrosion
- Chemical processing involving aggressive chemicals
Contact Us for Expert Guidance on Plating on Brass
Whether you are looking to enhance the durability and performance of your brass components or improve their aesthetic appeal, Hard Chrome Specialists is your trusted partner. We deliver high-quality solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your applications. To learn more about plating on brass, fill out our contact form or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate.