The rail industry operates in some of the most demanding conditions. From extreme weather exposure to the mechanical stress of braking and heavy load-bearing, rail components are expected to perform. Two surface finishing technologies, electroless nickel plating and hard chrome plating keep critical rail car components running. They’ve proven itself by extending the life of the component, reduced downtime, and safeguarded passenger and freight.
Electroless Nickel Plating: The First Line of Defense Against Corrosion
When it comes to protecting critical braking components, electroless nickel plating stands out as the preferred solution. Rail braking systems are exposed to moisture, salt, grime, and temperature fluctuations that accelerate corrosion on steel surfaces. Corrosion on a brake backing plate means the it can hinder the ability to slow the rail car.
A common disadvantage of steel in braking applications is poor resistance to corrosion in humid areas. Corrosion on backing plates can cause frictional material to separate, which hinders the ability to slow down and stop the rail car. Electroless nickel coating is a great solution for protecting these materials from corrosion and wear.
EN-CHRO Plating’s electroless nickel process delivers advanced protection combining highly effective corrosion and wear resistance with long-lasting performance. The process also provides effective lubrication for hard-to-reach areas, especially the complex geometries common to braking hardware. EN-CHRO’s tanks can accommodate parts as small as individual fasteners up to large assemblies measuring 4′ x 4′ x 165″ when run vertically, making the service scalable across a full range of rail component sizes.
Hard Chrome Plating: Engineering Endurance for Heavy Wear
While electroless nickel excels at corrosion defense, hard chrome plating addresses a different but equally serious threat: material loss through wear. Heavy wear in rail applications is caused by friction, high temperatures, rubbing, scraping, and corrosion, all of which happen when metal components contact each other under load.
The success of hard chrome plating in industrial applications is largely attributed to its unique combination of properties: hardness, adhesion, wear resistance, and a low coefficient of friction.
Hard chrome plating can be applied in various thicknesses — from standard .0005″ and .001″ up to .010″ offering a tailored range of coverage depending on the specific operating environment.
A Complete Surface Protection for the Rail Industry
For rail operators and OEMs, the choice between electroless nickel and hard chrome is often not an either/or decision. It is a layer of protection that needs to be matched to the demands of each component. Electroless nickel guards braking hardware from the corrosive environment; hard chrome extends the life of heavily loaded sliding and rotating parts that is exposed to friction.
Electroless nickel and hard chrome plating keep critical rail car components running. It is a proven, cost-effective solution to keeping rail systems operational, safe, and on working all the time. Contact EN-CHRO plating today to visit our facility and to learn how we can be of benefit. Contact us today at quotes@enchro.com or call us at 708-450-1250.