Industrial Hard Chrome Plating
Wear-Resistant Chrome Plating for Industrial Components
Fukar provides hard chrome plating services in Malaysia for industrial components that require extreme hardness, low friction, and reliable wear resistance. Hard chrome, also known as industrial chromium plating, deposits a dense layer of chromium metal onto steel, stainless steel, or other suitable substrates through an electrolytic process in a chromic acid bath.
The resulting coating is significantly harder than most base metals, with a typical hardness of 800 to 1,100 HV depending on plating conditions and post-treatment. This makes hard chrome plating ideal for hydraulic piston rods, cylinders, pump shafts, moulds, dies, tools, valves, and machine components that operate under sliding, abrasive, or cyclic loading conditions.
From our Shah Alam facility, we support Malaysian manufacturers in oil and gas, automotive, construction equipment, food processing, and general engineering. Our process is managed under ISO 9001:2015 quality systems, with incoming inspection, bath analysis, thickness monitoring, and final inspection to ensure repeatable results.
Typical Parameters
Hard Chrome Plating Specifications
Coating thickness, hardness, and surface finish are selected based on the component function. Thin deposits of 5 to 10 microns are used for low-wear decorative or corrosion-critical parts, while heavy deposits of 50 to 100 microns or more are used for build-up and repair of worn components.
After plating, components can be ground, polished, or honed to achieve the required dimensional tolerance and surface finish. For hydraulic rods and shafts, a fine surface finish reduces seal wear and improves service life.
We can advise on base material preparation, plating adhesion, post-plating finishing, and inspection methods once we review your drawing and performance target.
Specification Snapshot
| Substrate | Steel, stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Deposit hardness | 800 – 1,100 HV |
| Typical thickness | 5 – 100+ microns |
| Friction coefficient | Low against steel |
| Corrosion support | Pore-free barrier layer |
| Common standards | AMS 2406, ISO 6158, MIL-STD-150 |
| Post-plating | Grinding, polishing, honing |
Controlled Process
Hard Chrome Plating Process Steps
1. Surface Preparation
Degreasing, polishing, and removal of rust, scale, or existing coatings to ensure adhesion.
2. Reverse Etch
Brief anodic treatment to activate the surface and improve deposit adhesion.
3. Chrome Plating
Electrolytic deposition in a chromic acid bath at controlled current density and temperature.
4. Finishing & QA
Grinding, polishing, or honing to final size, followed by thickness and visual inspection.
Industrial Applications
Common Hard Chrome Plating Uses
Hydraulic Rods & Cylinders
Wear-resistant coating for reciprocating and cyclic loading in hydraulic systems.
Moulds & Dies
Release improvement and wear protection for plastic, rubber, and metal forming tools.
Pump & Valve Shafts
Corrosion and abrasion resistance for rotating parts in fluid handling equipment.
Machine Tool Components
Low-friction surfaces for slides, guides, and bearing surfaces.
Build-Up & Repair
Restoring worn or undersized shafts, journals, and housings to drawing dimensions.
Automotive & Oil/Gas
Severe-service components exposed to high loads, temperature, and corrosive media.
Common Questions
Hard Chrome Plating FAQs
What is hard chrome plating used for?
Hard chrome plating is used to increase surface hardness, reduce friction, resist wear, and protect against corrosion on industrial components such as hydraulic rods, moulds, shafts, and tooling.
How thick is hard chrome plating?
Typical deposits range from 5 microns for thin, precision work to 100 microns or more for heavy build-up and repair applications. Thickness is selected based on component function and drawing tolerance.
Can hard chrome plating be polished?
Yes. After plating, parts can be ground, polished, or honed to achieve the required surface finish and dimensional tolerance. Polished chrome is common for hydraulic rods and sealing surfaces.
Does hard chrome plating prevent rust?
Hard chrome provides a barrier layer that protects the underlying steel from corrosion, especially when the deposit is pore-free and properly applied. It is often used on parts exposed to moisture, chemicals, and outdoor conditions.
Related Electroplating Services
Zinc Nickel Plating
High-corrosion alloy plating for automotive and severe-service parts.
View service →Electroless Nickel Plating
Uniform deposit on complex geometries for wear and corrosion protection.
View service →