Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive
(Hard Chrome Plating)

by Randy Taylor, Advanced Tooling Corporation
October, 2007

Hard Chrome Plating on Calendar Rolls

Q. We face a lot of problems while plating on calendar rolls. The plating chips off and the thickness of the chrome on the rolls is also not sufficient. Any advice would help.

A. Good preparation and adhesion is absolutely fundamental in the chrome process. Successful adhesion is a product of good bath chemistry, proper plating technique, robust racking, anodes and fixtures, and above all, proper part preparation.

Insufficient chrome plating thickness is also a product of good bath chemistry, plating technique and especially properly designed tooling (racking & anodes). DC power supply also should be checked and evaluated.

If all the items mentioned above are being controlled then the problems you are experiencing may be due to a lack of training and experience.

This is not uncommon and the issues can often be resolved by bringing in an industry expert to evaluate the process and make recommendations. There are several companies that can do this service. STERC "ask the expert" can provide you with names and phone numbers.