Ever wondered how challenging it is to apply a surface finish to metal parts? If you are unfamiliar with surface finishes, then you'd be surprised to learn about the processes involved in applying just a thin layer of chromium.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of the chrome plating process in detail for chrome plate aluminum parts.
Degreasing
Before any surface finishing, degreasing is mandatory. And the same goes for chrome plating too. The substrate is made sure not to contain any impurities on the surface. Any traces of grease, dirt, paint, primers, etc., must not remain in the parts.
Polishing
After cleaning the parts, they are polished to smoothen the aluminum parts. It is done with the help of a mechanical grinder. It removes any scratches or marks which are left after machining or casting the aluminum parts.
Cleaning
Clean the aluminum parts once again to remove any residue left after polishing. They are cleaned and rinsed with various types of chemicals. Each type of chemical takes care of a specific type of impurity, such as oil, oxide, residue metal, etc.
Copper Buffing
Aluminum has a natural layer that increases its resistance to corrosion. However, for this very reason, some obstacles are presented in chrome-plating aluminum parts. For this reason, aluminum is typically provided first with a copper coating and then buffed to allow chrome plating to take place.
Nickel Plating
After buffing is complete, the parts are cleaned once again. Then it is desirable to coat the substrate with an additional nickel layer. It significantly improves the looks and durability of the final chrome finish.
Chromium Electroplating
Once the pre-treatment processes are all completed, the parts are then immersed in the electrolyte solution for electroplating. A certain intensity of direct current is run across the electroplating setup in order to deposit chromium into the aluminum part.
The parts remain in the electroplating bath in a certain amount of time to adjust the thickness of the coating. To begin with, the layer of chrome has a golden color to it. After rinsing the parts, it achieves a shimmering silver color.
Here's a step-by-step explanation of the chrome plating process in detail for chrome plate aluminum parts.
Degreasing
Before any surface finishing, degreasing is mandatory. And the same goes for chrome plating too. The substrate is made sure not to contain any impurities on the surface. Any traces of grease, dirt, paint, primers, etc., must not remain in the parts.
Polishing
After cleaning the parts, they are polished to smoothen the aluminum parts. It is done with the help of a mechanical grinder. It removes any scratches or marks which are left after machining or casting the aluminum parts.
Cleaning
Clean the aluminum parts once again to remove any residue left after polishing. They are cleaned and rinsed with various types of chemicals. Each type of chemical takes care of a specific type of impurity, such as oil, oxide, residue metal, etc.
Copper Buffing
Aluminum has a natural layer that increases its resistance to corrosion. However, for this very reason, some obstacles are presented in chrome-plating aluminum parts. For this reason, aluminum is typically provided first with a copper coating and then buffed to allow chrome plating to take place.
Nickel Plating
After buffing is complete, the parts are cleaned once again. Then it is desirable to coat the substrate with an additional nickel layer. It significantly improves the looks and durability of the final chrome finish.
Chromium Electroplating
Once the pre-treatment processes are all completed, the parts are then immersed in the electrolyte solution for electroplating. A certain intensity of direct current is run across the electroplating setup in order to deposit chromium into the aluminum part.
The parts remain in the electroplating bath in a certain amount of time to adjust the thickness of the coating. To begin with, the layer of chrome has a golden color to it. After rinsing the parts, it achieves a shimmering silver color.
