Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has gained tremendous popularity in the last 100 years due to the increased corrosion resistance that it offers over more traditional steel alloys.
With higher levels of chromium and nickel, stainless steel provides invaluable durability but also suffers from drawbacks. It is less machinable and not quite as hard, and its resistances do have limits. With an increased price over other metals, you will want your stainless steel components to perform at peak efficiency in any environment.
Hard Chrome Specialists understands the difficulties you might experience with this alloy, but we can improve it by putting it through various plating processes. We will take your circumstances into account, analyzing your needs to produce the best possible results.
As an ISO-certified business, we offer quick turnarounds and friendly service to all our clients.
Can Stainless Steel Be Chrome Plated?
Whereas other metals generally follow the same procedure, hard chrome plating on stainless steel requires specific action to ensure quality adherence.
It begins the same as any other plating, as we will anodically clean the item in a high-grade solvent to remove dirt, debris and other grime that might have accumulated on it. After rinsing it, the following moment is when the process diverges from conventional chrome plating on other steel alloys.
Seeing as how stainless steel contains some degree of nickel, you must be careful not to passivate it. To properly prepare the metal for plating, we will dunk it in 20 to 50 percent sulfuric acid at 150°F to activate it.
Following passivation, we'll then move on to plating, which involves placing it in a chrome bath for a few moments before gradually introducing voltage. We will ramp up the amount in increments until it reaches a standard reading, and we can then grind down uneven parts once the process is complete.
Benefits of Chrome Plating for Stainless Steel
Compared to other forms of steel, stainless alloys do not need corrosion resistance as much as different variations do. That said, environments that feature low oxygen and reduced air circulation can interfere with stainless steel's ability to form a protective chromium oxide film. An added chrome layer can aid the items in these kinds of environments.
Primarily, chrome plating gives stainless steel added durability to withstand regular wear and tear, which can be a problem for some variations. A low coefficient for friction increases abrasion resistance, as well.
Chrome plating on steel also adds a distinctive, shiny look that some people appreciate.
What Are Common Applications for Chrome Plating on Stainless Steel?
Various stainless steel machine parts can use our stable chrome plating to enhance their protection in demanding environments.
In addition to automotive parts, this process can benefit rolls, molds, dies, screws, hydraulic cylinders and pistons, shafts and rotors for pump applications and much more.
Can Stainless Steel Be Nickel Plated?
People often commission electroless nickel plating on mild and carbon steels to create alternatives to stainless steel, but the latter can still benefit from being plated. The process utilizes an aqueous solution rich in chemical agents to drive the deposition of nickel, as opposed to electrical current in chrome plating.
Due to the level of other constituents present in stainless steel, we need to take added steps to ensure adherence. For these occasions, we will implement a pre-plate sequence that includes a thorough cleaning in a powerful solution, followed by a nickel strike. Next, we submerge the stainless steel in a highly acidic, all-chloride solution for an extended period.
We're always sure to be precise and calculated, as overexposure can cause increased failure rates.
Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating for Stainless Steel
Nickel plating adds more corrosion resistance and hardness to other forms of steel, and it also produces a more even coating.
Stainless steel already benefits from corrosion resistance, but the nickel coating serves to enhance it further. On top of that, you'll also find that nickel-coated stainless steel is easier to solder, and it also has better resistance to radiation.
What Are Common Applications for Electroless Nickel Plating on Stainless Steel?
Nickel plating for stainless steel can offer benefits to parts under high amounts of stress, but it also increases electrical conductivity, thus making it ideal for battery and generator applications.
You'll also find it brings advantages for hydraulics components and firearms manufacturing.
Why Choose Hard Chrome Specialists?
At Hard Chrome Specialists, we understand that choosing a plating service provider is a significant decision that impacts the quality and longevity of your components. We are a partner who values your success and strives to deliver beyond expectations. Here are several compelling reasons to choose us for your plating needs:
- Unrivaled expertise: With decades of industry experience, our team possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to handle complex plating projects that demand exacting application.
- Custom solutions: We recognize that each client has unique requirements. Our approach is to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each workpiece for optimal results.
- Quick turnaround times: Our efficient in-house processes and dedicated team enable us to offer some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry without compromising quality.
- ISO certification: As an ISO-certified company, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency in all our operations.
- Exceptional durability: Our chrome and electroless nickel plating solutions for stainless steel significantly enhance your components' resistance to wear and corrosion, thereby extending their operational life and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Environmental responsibility: We adhere to environmentally responsible practices in all our plating processes, ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations.
- Competitive pricing: Our competitive pricing and focus on process optimization help you achieve maximum value for your investment.
- Customer-centric service: We prioritize customer satisfaction and are committed to providing excellent service and support from initial contact through to project completion and beyond.
- Enhanced aesthetics: Our plating increases the durability and functionality of components and improves their aesthetic appeal, which can be crucial for consumer-facing products.
- Comprehensive capabilities: From small precision parts to large industrial equipment, we can handle a wide range of projects. We serve numerous industries, such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, food and beverage, and more.
- Warranty and guarantees: We stand behind the quality of our work with comprehensive workmanship and material defect warranties and guarantees for repairs.
Contact Hard Chrome Specialists Today for Premium Plating on Steel
At Hard Chrome Specialists, we provide industry-leading plating solutions that enhance the performance, durability, and aesthetics of stainless steel components. Our commitment to innovation and quality enables us to deliver the best possible outcome for every client's specific needs.
To learn more about plating on stainless steel, fill out our contact form or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate. Let our experts help you achieve superior results with our advanced plating techniques