Hard chrome plating for long cylindrical components, such as hydraulic rods and industrial rollers, requires horizontal electroplating tanks that can accommodate the full length of the parts in a single pass or application. EN-CHRO Plating’s tanks can handle parts up to 39 feet long with diameters between 3 and 8 inches. It can also accommodate various diameters up to 30 feet long, applying chrome layers from .001″ to .010″ or more at 68-72 RC hardness.
Why Does Hard Chrome Plating and Part Geometry Go Together?
Hard chrome plating for long cylindrical components is an electrochemical process that deposits a layer of chromium directly onto a metal substrate. Hard chrome plating is known for its wear resistance, corrosion protection, and restoration of worn down components back to its original specification.
One of the first steps in evaluating a new project, is to understand the various shapes and dimensions of the long cylindrical part. Hydraulic cylinders, actuator rods and industrial rollers need to have uniformity of the hard chrome plating from edge to edge. One side cannot be thicker than the other. It must be the same regardless on the cylindrical component. If the component is uneven, then thin areas can wear prematurely, and thicker areas can exceed tolerances. This is why EN-CHRO’s tank dimensions and anode formula are important to meeting a company’s specification for its parts.
Horizontal Tanks are Critical for Long Cylindrical Parts
Hard chrome plating long cylindrical parts in sections creates seams. Each seam creates a point where the hard chrome plating is inconsistent. If you have a visible seam, then the part may have sections where its fractionally thicker or thinner than the next section. This not only affects the wear, but also the performance.
A horizontal electroplating tank allows a full-length cylindrical part to be fully submerged and plated in a single bath. This single bath removes the need to plate components in sections, which EN-CHRO Plating shows can create inconsistencies and quality issues in the final product. A horizontal tank can also accommodate more parts, which can support more production, and plating long parts in a single bath can reduce imperfections and labor costs.
EN-CHRO Plating’s Tank Specifications
EN-CHRO Plating’s tanks are designed for new hard chrome plating and repair hard chrome plating for long cylindrical components such as hydraulic rods and industrial rollers.
Tank capabilities:
• Parts up to 39 feet long with diameters between 3 and 8 inches
• Various diameters accommodated up to 30 feet long
• Chrome plating thickness range: .001″ to .010″ or more
• Resulting chrome hardness: 68-72 RC on the Rockwell scale
The dimensions of EN-CHRO’s tanks allow for optimal anode placement, which is critical for achieving uniform distribution across the entire component.
Industry Standards Governing Hard Chrome Plating
The thickness and hardness for hard chrome plating are governed by published industry and government standards. Here are a few:
ASTM B650 — Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Engineering Chromium Coatings on Ferrous Substrates
This is one of the main ASTM standard covering engineering (hard) chromium coatings deposited on ferrous substrates, commonly referenced by industrial chrome platers as a baseline specification.
SAE AMS2460 — Plating, Chromium
This SAE Aerospace Material Specification covers requirements for electrodeposited hard chromium plating. It is commonly used for applications involving increased abrasion resistance, extended life, dimensional stability, and reconditioning of worn or undersized parts.
ASTM E18 — Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials
This is the governing ASTM standard for Rockwell hardness testing methodology — the test method underlying any reported RC hardness value for a chrome deposit.
MIL-STD-1501 / MIL-C-23422 — Military Specifications for Chromium Plating
These Department of Defense standards apply to chromium plating, including low-embrittlement electrodeposition practices, in applications with stringent OEM and defense requirements.
National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)
NASF is the principal U.S. trade association representing the surface finishing industry, including hard chrome platers. NASF engages on regulatory matters affecting chromium plating, including hexavalent chromium air emissions rules that affect plating operations nationally.
Hard Chrome Properties
| Property | Specification |
| Plating thickness range | .001″ to .010″ or more |
| Resulting hardness | 68-72 RC (Rockwell scale) |
| Maximum part length (3″-8″ diameter) | Up to 39 feet |
| Maximum part length (various diameters) | Up to 30 feet |
| Industry hardness reference range | 65-70 RC (typical range cited across multiple industrial platers) |
| Hardness test method | Per ASTM E18 |
EN-CHRO Plating’s reported hardness ranges from 68-72 RC. This range is above what is reported across other industrial chrome platers which report hard chrome hardness in the 65-70 RC range.
Hard Chrome Plating Repair and Refurbishment
EN-CHRO Plating can restore or refurbish parts and components that require hard chrome plating repair. The tank capacity can accommodate large parts and components. To inquire further, the company is centrally located in Illinois, servicing companies across the U.S. Contact us at quotes @enchro.com.
It isn’t always necessary to purchase a new cylinder. The metal can withstand years of use. That’s why utilizing hard chrome plating for refurbished cylindrical components is a popular choice for companies. When hard chrome plating gets worn down from use, scratched or even damaged, getting the cylinder or rod repaired is a better choice. According to EN-CHRO Plating cylindrical components can be fixed faster and costs less.
This use case, aligns with the stated scope of SAE AMS2460, which explicitly covers hard chromium plating for reconditioning applications.
Learn more about Hard Chrome Plating for Long Cylindrical Components by contacting us today at quotes @enchro.com.