Hex-hard chrome is critical, as surfaces plated with hard chrome are everywhere in commerce, yet most people don’t realize the industry even exists.
Hard chrome provides a hard, wear-resistant surface on a wide range of parts. It is applied by equipment manufacturers and job shops with over 1,200 operations in the United States alone.
Hard chrome is vital for American industry, its economy, and defense. It is used on critical components such as weapon systems, aviation, space exploration, mining, hydraulics, tooling, dies, and numerous industrial applications. Hard chrome is the preferred surface finish for components that require hardness and wear resistance.
A machinist removes metal, while a skilled hard chrome plater can replace a specific metal with accuracy and precision using a method no other process can duplicate. However, the chrome plater needs knowledge to do this successfully and repeatedly.
Unfortunately, hexavalent (hex) hard chrome plating has been under attack from environmental and worker safety regulators for decades. This spurred the movement to find a suitable replacement coating. However, none of the ‘replacements’ provide the same wear-resistant properties that hex-hard chrome does. These all fall short on performance, are more costly to apply, and generate excessive hazardous waste products that can’t be recovered for reuse.
Hex-hard chrome has recently proven sustainable, with proper system design resulting in zero chrome discharged to the airstream and no hazardous chemical releases. All process chemicals are recycled for reuse. This lowers processing costs and reduces liabilities. The sustainable approach also significantly improves worker safety by providing cleaner breathing air. Replacing hex-chrome would therefore be a step backwards in technology and practicality.
Vanishing Knowledge
The skills needed to produce high-quality hard chrome deposits were developed by the old-timers through years of experimentation as they perfected their craft. Unfortunately, the old-timers are no longer with us, and much of their knowledge has been lost and wasn’t passed down to their replacements.
This created an information black hole, a knowledge void that directly affects a company’s ability to consistently meet its production needs. This inefficiency results in excess rework, lost sales, lower incomes, and premature product failures.
A Sustainable Hard Chrome System.
Replacing Lost Skills
A new book is now available that provides the lost knowledge of hard chrome plating: Hard Chrome Secrets. The title suggests this book holds secrets, a compelling claim. The truth is, it simply contains the closely held knowledge of those having significant expertise in the field.
It’s in an easy-to-read format yet covers every aspect of the art and science, from both practical and technical perspectives. It includes scientific information, technical advice, and numerous best practices developed by experts over the years.
This book provides a blueprint covering the hidden truths on how to best apply high-quality hard chrome coatings at the lowest cost. In a sense, it’s a map that leads to greater achievement, higher productivity, and increased income. It shows you how to successfully plate even the most difficult parts using closely held and guarded knowledge. It sets a new standard for the process and provides a powerhouse of knowledge that today’s successful companies crave. It’s a ‘must-read’ for companies looking for improvement because it includes essential information on how to:
- Improve plating quality
- Reduce Rework
- Increase Productivity
- Lower Processing Costs
- Solve Plating Problems
- Learn the Tricks of the Trade
- Exceed the Regulations
Every hard chrome operation that desires top-quality deposits at the lowest cost and the highest efficiency needs a copy. Every shop has room for improvement, and this book shows them how to achieve excellence.
It could be the most valuable asset a plating department can acquire. It’s an opportunity to gain the hidden knowledge not covered by conventional sources.
Newcomers to the trade should begin their learning journey by first studying the book Hard Chrome University, also available from Plating Resources, Inc. That background text covers the fundamentals and provides a solid base for progress. The new Hard Chrome Secrets book builds on that foundational knowledge.
Critical Topics
The Hard Chrome Secrets book topics include plating procedures, bath chemistry, process control, operating conditions, pre-plate and post-plate surface treatments, processing sequences, reversing and activation, bath impurities, dummying, maximizing conductivity, use of catalysts, stress relief, fixturing, anodes, stripping, deposit pitting, troubleshooting, stop-off and robbers, shields and baffles, hydraulic rod processing, the water supply, sustainable hard chrome, plating equipment, system maintenance and even plating safety.
It even includes detailed instructions on the techniques used to increase throwing power, successfully plate heavy deposits to over 0.100” thick, perform thickness checks during plating, plate small diameter IDs, double-end long parts, and increase corrosion resistance.
Limited Printing
The Hard Chrome Secrets book is currently available from Plating Resources, Inc. in a limited publication that will not be widely distributed. It was created for companies that are serious about improving their plating quality and efficiency. The distribution is limited to companies that operate a commercial hard chrome plating system. Those interested should order their copies soon, while supplies last.
The book’s price is considerably higher than that of a textbook would be, but not when considering the extremely valuable content it provides. It’s certainly less costly than dealing with high reject rates or maintaining an in-house expert. The cost is easily justified considering the many ‘secrets’ it contains. It could literally save your company Hundreds of Thousands every year while providing your operation with a competitive edge.
Hard Chrome Secrets could be the most valuable asset your plating department can acquire. Larger operations may want to obtain three or more books so the managers, plating supervisors, and plating personnel all have their own copy.
It provides a powerhouse of knowledge that today’s successful companies need and serves as a strategic technical resource for both captive OEM and job shop operations. It can be used to establish optimal processing data and as a valuable tool for addressing ongoing production issues. It should be in the library of every hard chrome operation and kept handy for future reference.
About the Author
Eric Svenson Sr.Eric is the third-generation owner and CEO of Plating Resources, Inc. in Cocoa, Florida. He began his career in electroplating in 1961 and has over 60 years of hard chrome plating experience, making him a world leader in this technology.
He developed numerous plating processes, activation techniques, corrosion protection methods, pulse plating procedures, mass-ionic transfer applications, zero-discharge recovery systems, and, most recently, the Sustainable Hard Chrome design that proves the practicality of operating a hard chrome system with Zero Hex-Chrome air or water emissions. He is also the author of several plating books and numerous white papers and technical articles.
Hard chrome is Eric’s passion because of its complexity, the specialized techniques used, and its vital role in America’s economy and defense. He taught electroplating at Cleveland State University and operated a hard-chrome shop that processed high-tech aircraft and military work. Eric also consulted for the research facilities at the Fort Belvoir U.S. Army Laboratory and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base laboratory.
Today, he is primarily involved in providing support to companies seeking to resolve technical issues or update their plating systems. He provides system engineering, process design, operator training, and consulting services globally. Eric can be reached by email at PlatingResources@Yahoo.com or at www.Plating.com, www.PlatingSystems.info, and www.MicroTuff.com.
Please contact Vicky Salsbury at Vicky@Plating.com to order copies of Hard Chrome Secrets, Hard Chrome University,or to explore any of the related subjects. Visit www.Plating.com.
