Chrome plating is an electrolytic process for applying various types of coatings on the surface of metals.
More than Chromium
Most often, galvanization refers to practical application of permanently adhering thin metallic coatings by depositing one metal on another (e.g. copper, nickel or chrome plating). Galvanic chromium coatings are widely used to protect machine parts against abrasive wear and corrosion. However, using this technology is associated with the production of a large amount of hazardous waste. More stringent environmental requirements have forced the search for other coating technologies.
Modern Technologies
Using modern technologies of surface engineering, Plasma System S.A. applies alternative coatings that provide protection of machine parts against aggressive working environment and abrasive wear. Their parameters greatly exceed those of galvanic chrome plating.
Depending on the spraying technology and the device used, the applied coatings may have a thickness of 0.01 to 0.5 mm in a single pass. Layer thickness is determined depending on the required characteristics. Various metals and alloys can be coated with the spraying method, serving as protective, technical or decorative coatings.
Various metals, alloys, ceramics, composites are used as technical coatings to protect machine parts against high temperature chemical corrosion, friction wear, erosion, cavitation, thermal shock, either as an integral part of the product or as part of retrofitting or refurbishment (often the product design assumes multiple refurbishment after a certain degree of wear). These materials can have the form of powders, wires, tapes, or sticks.
As new spraying methods are developed, especially powder materials are becoming gradually more significant and their quality is very important, since it is usually not achievable with other methods.