Whelen Lights

Chrome Frame

An Introduction To Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is a kind of finishing treatment that utilizes the electrolytic deposition of chromium. The thin, decorative bright chrome is the most common form of chrome plating.

Chrome plating imparts a mirror-like finish to items such as metal furniture frames and automotive trim. Thicker deposits, called hard chrome, are used in industrial equipment to reduce friction and wear and to restore the dimensions of equipment that has experienced wear.

There are two types of chromium plating: industrial and decorative. Industrial chromium plating is also called Hard Chrome or Engineered Chrome.

There are two types of Industrial chromium plating solutions: hexavalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromic anhydride and trivalent chromium baths whose main ingredient is chromium sulfate or chromium chloride. Trivalent chromium baths are not yet common, due to restrictions concerning color, brittleness, and plating thickness.

For decorative purposes, the best combination would be chrome and nickel which offers the most protection against corrosion. It will have a mirror finish that will only be as good as the finish you put on the surface before you put on the chrome.

Hard chrome is plated in thickness as required to take advantage of the extremely low chrome coefficient of friction, or for wear build-up for functional purposes.

Micro-finished chrome will provide a coefficient of friction lower than any other metal when used against steel, iron, brass, bronze, babbitt, or aluminium alloys. This is done when chrome is used as a bearing surface.

Chrome is a perfect set-up for longwearing working surfaces because it is much harder than casehardened steel. It is not advisable to use chrome on chrome. Chrome will resist mostly all organic and in organic compounds and acids, except hydrochloric acid.

Chrome plate shall be uniform in thickness on all surfaces. Plate shall be smooth, homogeneous and free from frosty areas, pin holes, pits, nodules, and other defects.

Chrome plating is not a difficult process provided that the part has been properly cleansed and the following requirements met: Preparation of the chromic acid (CrO3) solution, Temperature control of the bath (plating solution),Preparation of lead anodes (peroxide), Agitation method of the bath (bubbles), Plating current density control and duration (controller), Ventilation (for safety)
Black chrome can also be plated in the same way and still have similar characteristics to the bright chrome. For aesthetic or anti-reflective applications, it may be preferable in some cases. I have not yet used it, but the formula is as follows:

Having the chrome plating facility right there when needed is very valuable to the home machinist. Of course there is a learning curve and some basic investment in dollars but this investment is mostly non-recurring and will give you the benefit of this process for quite a long time.

In industrial chrome plating the process is electrolysis. In the process chromium metal is deposited on metallic surfaces submerged in a chromic acid plating bath. The part to be plated is made cathodic by connection to the negative terminal of the rectifier.

Inert lead anodes are made electrically positive. When voltage is applied across the two, current flows through the solution and metal is deposited. Proper control of various plating parameters result in bright, hard, adherent deposits.

Coupled with other surface finishes such as anodizing aluminum and the plating of other prime metals such as copper, nickel, silver, or gold which we may yet cover, we can really dress up and protect our creations.

About the Author

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of

ChromeHub.com
and writes expert
articles about
chrome
.

Chrome License Plate Frame $29.95 Drag Specialties Chrome License Plate Frame Chrome die-cast metal frame Measures 4" x 7" Includes chrome flat-head hardware

Timekeeper 9-in. RD Chrome Frame Clock #302WB $17.99 9-in. round chrome frame clock.

Cruiser Chrome Diamondesque Frame $29.95 Elegant chrome frame inlaid with a single continuous row of clear sparkling crystals Does not obstruct the state name or registration stickers on the license plate Zinc die cast frame with chrome coating Designed to fit all standard license plates Easy to install

Wall Lamp with Chrome Frame - Dover Collection $63.45 Wall Lamp with Chrome Frame - Dover Collection

Putco Shift Gear Frame $56.99 Shift Gear Frame; Chrome;

Kentucky Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Wisconsin Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

UCLA Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Maryland Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Auburn Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Purdue Chrome License Plate Frame $14.99 This is a special order item and takes longer to leave our warehouse, which is reflected in the estimate above Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo, and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Balestrino Frame with basket - ChromeBlue $499.99 Balestrino Frame with basket - Chrome/Blue

Balestrino Frame With Basket - ChromeIvory $499.99 Balestrino Frame With Basket - Chrome/Ivory

PRISCILLA-SC Tufted Style upholstered with Chrome Frame Side $178.68 Tufted Style upholstered with Chrome Frame Side Chair

Chrome Blades License Plate Frame $16.95 Cause your vehicle to stand-out from among the rest, by adding your own personal style with the Chrome Blades license plate frame. Each license plate frame is designed to look like interlocking blades. The license plate frame is made of die-cast zinc, plated with heavy show chrome, and polished for an eye-catching, bright shine. The Chrome Blades frame is an excellent accent to any vehicle.   Features: v Fits any standard size license plate v Made of die-cast zinc v Polished v Rust proof

Chrome Eagle License Plate Frame $15.95 This Chrome Eagle License Plate Frame has a removable eagle that can be mounted with small screws at the top or bottom of the license plate frame so it does not obstruct the state name or registration stickers of your plate. This license plate frame, constructed of zinc die-cast metal with a heavy chrome-plated plastic eagle, will enhance the look of any vehicle.

Cruiser Chrome Designer Chain Frame $17.95 Bring style and personality to your car, truck or SUV with the unique Figaro chain style frame made from zinc die cast metal, plated with heavy show chrome, and hand polished to brilliant shine.

Classic Chrome Frame $9.99 The Classic Chrome license plate frames offer a simple and stylish look for your vehicle. Made of durable die cast zinc, all frames feature an enduring quality that can be both seen and felt. By Cruiser.

Arizona Cardinals NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Arizona Cardinals NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Carolina Panthers NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Carolina Panthers NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Chicago Bears NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Chicago Bears NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Cleveland Browns NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Cleveland Browns NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Dallas Cowboys Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Dallas Cowboys Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Denver Broncos NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Denver Broncos NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Detroit Lions NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Detroit Lions NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Houston Texans NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Houston Texans NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Indianapolis Colts NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Indianapolis Colts NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Minnesota Vikings NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Minnesota Vikings NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Oakland Raiders NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Oakland Raiders NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Philadelphia Eagles NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Philadelphia Eagles NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Washington Redskins NFL Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Washington Redskins NFL Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Cleveland Indians MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Cleveland Indians MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Arizona Diamondbacks MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Atlanta Braves MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Atlanta Braves MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Baltimore Orioles MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Baltimore Orioles MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Chicago Cubs MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Chicago Cubs MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Florida Marlins MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Florida Marlins MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Houston Astros MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Houston Astros MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!

Minnesota Twins MLB Chrome License Plate Frame $16.36 Minnesota Twins MLB Chrome License Plate Frame Show everyone who you root for with this chrome license plate frame! Features your favorite team's name and logo; and has pre-drilled holes for easy mounting. The chrome frame is very durable and will last for a long time!