Services / Chrome & Nickel Plating
Chrome & Nickel Plating
Chrome and nickel plating deposit a metallic layer for hardness, wear resistance and corrosion protection on shafts, cylinders and precision components.
Metal plating deposits a thin layer of chrome or nickel onto a part — for wear resistance, corrosion protection, dimensional restoration, or finish. Unlike the field-applied systems used on structural steel, plating is a shop process on finished parts. This overview covers the main processes and standards; the electroless-nickel guide below goes deep on that method.
The processes
- Hard (industrial) chrome — electroplated for high hardness and wear resistance on rods, pistons, rollers and molds; also restores worn dimensions.
- Decorative chrome — a thin bright finish over nickel, for appearance plus corrosion resistance.
- Electroless nickel — deposited chemically (no electric current), so it coats complex shapes, recesses and internal surfaces evenly; strong corrosion resistance. Governed by ASTM B733.
- Electroplated nickel — an undercoat or standalone corrosion/appearance layer.
What each is for
| Process | Main property | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Hard chrome | Hardness / wear resistance | Hydraulic rods, molds, rollers |
| Decorative chrome | Bright finish + corrosion | Trim, hardware, consumer parts |
| Electroless nickel (ASTM B733) | Uniform coverage + corrosion | Complex parts, valves, internal surfaces |
| Electroplated nickel | Corrosion / undercoat | Components, undercoat for chrome |
Standards & where it's used
Electroless nickel follows ASTM B733 (classes by thickness and phosphorus content); chrome and other platings follow their own AMS/ASTM specs. Plating serves hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods, molds and tooling, pumps and valves, and industrial components needing wear or corrosion resistance or dimensional restoration.
Related guide & next step
- Deep dive on the even-coating chemical process → electroless nickel plating guide
- Find a contractor → industrial coating contractors
Need parts plated? Get a free quote with the part, the wear or corrosion requirement and any dimensional spec, and we'll match a plating shop for it.
Common questions
What is metal plating?
What is the difference between hard chrome and electroless nickel plating?
What standards apply to plating?
What is plating used for?
Related & next steps
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