Definition

• Chrome plating is the process of applying a thin layer of chromium onto an object using the process of electroplating. Typically, the object being plated will be comprised of another metal, but it can be plastic. Chrome plating electrolysis involves applying a negative electrical charge to an object submerged in an acid bath with dissolved chromium. The acid bath is then positively charged, leading to the chrome to be deposited onto the object surface. Chromium is always applied through an electroplating process.
  
  

History

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy's Newton scientists, the process of plating materials with metal dates back to ancient civilizations, developing from the early process of gilding. The soldering of silver plates onto other materials was practiced during the Roman period. The process of plating originated with silver plating during the 18th century in England, before the innovation of chromium plating in the United States during the mid 1800s.
  
  

Types

• Chrome plating is typically applied in one of two manners: decorative chrome plating and hard chrome plating. Decorative chrome plating involves the application of nickle plating to the object prior to chromium plating. The inclusion of the nickel plating gives the chrome finish increased luster, creating the shiny finish people typically attribute to chrome. Decorative chrome plating is extremely thin, and is primarily used to protect the brilliant nickel plating.
  
  Hard chrome plating is more commonly used in heavy industry and involves the application of a relatively thick layer of chromium, measured in thousandths of an inch, as opposed to the millionths of an inch thickness used in decorative chrome. Hard chrome plating is utilized on mechanical components to reduce wear and increase oil retention.
  
  

Regulation

• The process of electroplating is categorically regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, meaning that all waste products resulting from any plating are subject to regulation and control. Chrome plating, in particular, utilizes the highly toxic chromic acid and requires high levels of control when disposing to prevent the chemical from polluting local water supplies. Due to the high level of regulation, paired with the dangers of chromic acid, anyone interested in doing their own chrome plating must take care to understand the regulations and correct disposal procedures.
  
  

Advantages

• Chrome plating is valued for the numerous advantages the process offers. Beyond the cosmetic finish chrome plating offers, plated parts are less likely to suffer from wear. Chrome plating allows non-conductive objects, such as plastic, the ability to be formed into lightweight conductive components, reducing the cost of production.