When it comes to extending the life of industrial components, there are a variety of metal coating options available—each with its own strengths. But when comparing hard chrome vs other coatings, hard chrome consistently proves to be the gold standard in demanding industries like mining, transport, and manufacturing.
In this article, we’ll break down how hard chrome compares to other popular coatings and explain why it’s the go-to choice for WA’s toughest industrial jobs.
The Contenders: Coatings Compared
| Coating Type | Wear Resistance | Corrosion Protection | Thickness Range | Machinability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Chrome | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | 10–500μm | Easy to grind | Moderate |
| Electroless Nickel | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | 25–100μm | Hard to grind | High |
| Thermal Spray (HVOF) | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 100–300μm | No post-grind | Very High |
| Zinc Plating | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | 5–25μm | No grinding | Low |
| Anodizing (Aluminium) | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | 5–25μm | N/A | Moderate |
Why Hard Chrome Plating Still Wins
1. Unmatched Durability
Hard chrome plating is extremely wear-resistant, with a hardness of up to 1000 HV. That’s higher than most other coatings, making it ideal for hydraulic rods, cylinders, and machine shafts under heavy load.
2. Micron-Level Precision
Hard chrome can be applied accurately and uniformly, then ground to ultra-precise tolerances. It’s the preferred choice when dimensional restoration is needed.
3. Superior Cost-to-Performance Ratio
Compared to thermal spray coatings (like HVOF), hard chrome is more affordable, easier to repair, and doesn’t require specialized equipment for stripping or rework.
4. Reworkable and Repair-Friendly
Unlike other coatings that need complete re-application, chrome can be stripped, re-ground, and re-plated—which is more efficient and cost-effective for WA-based industries.
5. Versatility Across Materials
Hard chrome works on steel, stainless, and other alloys, making it the most flexible solution for industries with mixed material inventories.
Real-World Application: Why WA Chooses Chrome Plating
At SJD Engineering, we’ve seen time and again that hard chrome delivers longer uptime, smoother performance, and lower lifecycle costs. Whether we’re rebuilding mining rods or chroming critical transport components, we choose chrome because it works—every time.
Ready to Upgrade?
If you’re looking to protect your parts with the most reliable coating available, hard chrome plating is your answer. With over 20 years of experience, SJD Engineering delivers industry-grade results for WA’s toughest environments.
👉 Explore our hard chrome plating service
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