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's less machinable and not quite as hard, and its resistances do have limits. With an increased price over other metals, you'll 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'll 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.
Once that's completed, we'll then move onto plating, which involves placing it in a chrome bath for a few moments before gradually introducing voltage. We'll 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, a 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, and we will then apply 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 increase 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.
To learn more about plating on stainless steel, fill out our contact form or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate.