Chrome can cover almost all metals from steel and copper alloys to zinc. It’s famous for its mirror-like finish, but it has plenty of other benefits.
Durability
Chrome plating is scratch-resistant and can take plenty of other forms of punishment. It can survive high temperatures without losing its integrity — one of many reasons businesses such as //www.poeton.co.uk/advanced-treatments/apticote-100-hard-chrome-plating/ often recommend it.
Low Maintenance
Chrome surfaces are hard and easy to polish. Bare polished aluminium lacks a clear coat, so moisture and air exposure make it dull. The surface oxidises easily, whereas chrome can be sealed to prevent rust. It’s easy to clean corrosive grime from it, so you can expect it to gleam for many years.
Aesthetic Enhancements
Chrome’s iconic mirror-like finish elevates any design. There’s a reason it’s become such an iconic part of the automotive industry, and it brings those aesthetics to many other products. Kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, hand tools, and musical instruments often rely on chrome’s stylishness to make an impression.
When Chrome Plating Isn’t Appropriate
Chrome isn’t a cheap metal. It needs extra manufacturing on top of the base metal and requires the use of toxic chemicals. These are difficult to dispose of. And while chrome is known as a durable metal, if it’s poorly applied, it will flake like paint.
Industrial chrome achieves a thick layer that can withstand extreme wear under difficult conditions. This makes it an ideal option for machine tools and manufacturing equipment. Whether you choose it for its aesthetic or practical benefits, it’s an exceptional metal.
