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Advantages and Disadvantages of Trivalent Chromium Plating The advantages of the trivalent chromium processes over the hexavalent chromium process are fewer environmental concerns due to the lower toxicity of trivalent chromium, higher productivity, and lower operating costs. In the trivalent chromium process, hexavalent chromium is a plating bath contaminant. Therefore, the bath does not contain any appreciable amount of hexavalent chromium. The total chromium concentration of trivalent chromium solutions is approximately one-fift

What is the Decorative Chromium Electroplating Process? Decorative chromium electroplating is applied to metals and plastics. In decorative plating of metals, the base material generally is plated with layers of copper and nickel followed by a relatively thin layer of chromium to provide a bright surface with wear and tarnish resistance. Decorative plating is used for items such as automotive trim, metal furniture, bicycles, hand tools, and plumbing fixtures. The decorative chromium electroplating process consists of pretreatmen

What is the Hard Chrome Plating Process? Hard Chrome Plating - In hard plating, a relatively thick layer of chromium is deposited directly on the base metal (usually steel) to provide a surface with wear resistance, a low coefficient of friction, hardness, and corrosion resistance, or to build up surfaces that have been eroded by use. Hard plating is used for items such as hydraulic cylinders and rods, industrial rolls, zinc die castings, plastic molds, engine components, and marine hardware. The hard chromium electroplating pro

What is the Electroplating Process? Electroplating is the process of applying a metallic coating to an article by passing an electric current through an electrolyte in contact with the article, thereby forming a surface having properties or dimensions different from those of the article. Essentially any electrically conductive surface can be electroplated. Special techniques, such as coating with metallic-loaded paints or silver-reduced spray, can be used to make non-conductive surfaces, such as plastic, electrically conductive for