How to Perform Chrome Electroplating

Chromium is a hard metal that has a steely gray, lustrous appearance. Its ability to take a high polish makes it suitable for applying to other metals. Chrome electroplating refers to the use of electricity in applying a thin layer of chromium to the surface of other metals, especially nickel. Chrome plating is commonly performed on cars for decorative purposes. It also increases corrosion resistance, reduces friction and improves wear resistance.

Instructions

1. Clean the part to remove grease and other debris. Dip the part into a sodium hydroxide bath and rinse it in hot water. Strip the nickel surface with sulfuric acid without actually corroding the nickel.

2. Remove any remaining surface impurities. Grind off any pits and protrusions as well as any other excess metal. Smooth any edges as required and grind any points that will be needed for soldering after you have applied the chrome plating.

3. Subject the part to any needed pretreatments, according to the substrate metal and specific application. For example, a copper substrate requires a dip in sulfuric acid followed by a bath in a cyanide solution.

4. Clean the part with kerosene and hand-wash it with soap and water. Rinse the part with water and dip it into sulfuric acid. Then dip the part into deionized water and allow it to dry.

5. Adjust the settings on the chrome plating vat as desired and place the part into it. A hard chrome vat will typically apply chrome plating at the rate of about 0.00098 inches per hour. Spray-rinse the part with water and buff it to a smooth finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Wastewater from chrome electroplating is highly toxic and is tightly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. The generation, storage and disposal of this waste water requires separate permits, and producers can also be held financially liable for damages.