Bronze
Bronze takes the best qualities of copper and adds increased durability and corrosion resistance into the fold, making it a formidable alloy.
While it stands well on its own for long periods, plating this metal can grant an array of advantages. Hard Chrome Specialists will respect your needs and deliver friendly service, as we're an ISO-certified business that focuses on providing high-quality results on quick turnarounds.
If you believe your bronze components need an upgrade, we'll happily help.
Explaining the Chrome Plating Process for Bronze
Hard chrome plating on bronze, depending on its components, usually falls in line with the typical procedure we use on copper, brass and other metals.
We'll first clean the material to rid it of as much grease and grime as possible, which then allows us to activate it with acid before preparing for the chrome bath. Once we submerge it for a few moments, we'll then start to gradually feed the voltage into the bath to facilitate even deposition and resilient adherence.
Can Bronze Be Chrome Plated?
By chrome plating bronze, you're enhancing a durable alloy to the point of impressive strength.
Chrome plating bronze adds corrosion resistance, which is useful in difficult environments. It also adds a layer of hardness, allowing the bronze to hold up against everyday wear and tear. A shining chrome finish even marries well with bronze's natural hue, giving you a piece that's easy to notice and easy to like.
What Are Common Applications for Chrome Plating on Bronze?
You'll often see chrome-plated bronze used for aesthetic purposes. You can use it in musical instruments and sculptures, as well as medals.
This process is also useful for bronze bushings and bearings, as chrome produces a lower friction coefficient, thus reducing the strain on various parts during repeated operation.
Can Bronze Be Nickel Plated?
Rather than using electricity to drive the deposition of minerals, the electroless nickel plating procedure uses an aqueous solution that induces an autocatalytic chemical reaction to power the plating instead.
We will clean, pre-treat and activate the bronze before dipping it in this solution.
Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating for Bronze
If you need superior corrosion resistance, nickel plating performs at rates even better than chrome, which is highly successful in its own right. Nickel-plated bronze also benefits from increased strength and a lower friction coefficient.
The process is likely to result in better uniformity, too, as the nickel can adhere to irregularly shaped items with improved reliability. Additionally, electroless nickel is more likely to last a long time without degrading, as the process encourages a tighter bond to the bronze.
What Are Common Applications for Electroless Nickel Plating on Bronze?
As one of bronze's most popular uses, nautical equipment and components rely on increased corrosion resistance to withstand the unforgiven salt water of the ocean. Such components include propellers, marine fittings, marine fasteners, pumps and more.
Other outdoor applications — like door handles, hinges, window frames, trims and rails, and furniture hardware — are all worthy of nickel plating, as well.
To learn more about plating on bronze, fill out our contact form or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate.