What is the Function of Chrome Plating?
1 Answers
Chrome plating enhances the appearance of a car by improving its color, significantly increasing strength, hardness, and wear resistance, while simultaneously reducing plasticity and toughness. Chromium can improve the oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of steel and also provides protection for some plastic parts. Additionally, when applied to areas like door handles, it can protect the paint surface. Advantages of Chrome Plating: The chrome plating layer has strong adhesion to the base metal. When properly applied, the bonding strength between the plating layer and steel can exceed that of the steel itself. The chrome plating layer exhibits excellent heat resistance and thermal conductivity. It can withstand high temperatures, with discoloration and changes in mechanical properties only occurring above 500 degrees Celsius. The thermal conductivity of chromium is second only to copper and is 40% higher than that of cast iron. Disadvantages of Chrome Plating: The deposition efficiency of the chrome plating layer is low, resulting in low productivity. The lubrication performance of the chrome plating layer is poor, leading to reduced wear resistance under conditions of insufficient lubrication. However, using porous chrome plating can improve wear resistance by 2-4 times. If not properly controlled, the chrome layer is prone to cracking and peeling.