Chrome Plating Equipment & Production Lines
Complete chrome plating solutions from a single source — decorative chrome, hard chrome, trivalent and hexavalent chrome plating systems. Automatic and manual lines for automotive, hydraulic, tooling and industrial applications.
Complete Chrome Plating Solutions
Chrome plating provides both decorative bright finishes and hard, wear-resistant coatings. We supply turnkey chrome plating lines covering all major chromium plating processes.
Chrome Plating Processes We Offer
Different applications require different chrome plating processes. We design lines for all major chromium plating types.
Decorative Chrome Plating
Multilayer system: copper undercoat + semi-bright nickel + bright nickel + a very thin chrome top layer (0.05-0.5 μm). The chrome is purely the decorative top coat — appearance and corrosion resistance come from the nickel layers beneath. Requires mirror-polished substrate.
Chrome layer: 0.05-0.5 μm · Hardness: 600-800 HV · Bath: 35-45°C
Hard Chrome Plating
Thick chromium (10-500 μm) deposited directly onto the base metal. Functional coating for wear resistance, low friction and dimensional restoration of worn parts. Semi-bright or matte finish — appearance is secondary. Requires lead-tin anodes and higher current density.
Thickness: 10-500 μm · Hardness: 900-1200 HV · Bath: 50-65°C
Trivalent Chrome Plating
Environmentally friendly alternative to hexavalent chrome. Lower toxicity, simpler wastewater treatment, reduced air emissions. Increasingly required by automotive OEMs and environmental regulations (REACH, RoHS). Slightly different color tone, typically used for decorative applications.
Best for: automotive interior & exterior trim, regulatory compliance
Hexavalent Chrome Plating
Traditional chromic acid process offering superior throwing power, brightness and corrosion resistance. Preferred for hard chrome and heavy-duty applications. Requires strict fume control and wastewater treatment for chromic acid mist (Cr6+).
Best for: hard chrome, industrial & high-corrosion applications
Decorative Chrome vs Hard Chrome
Two fundamentally different processes — choose based on your application
| Parameter | Decorative Chrome | Hard Chrome |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Appearance + corrosion protection | Wear resistance + dimensional restoration |
| Chrome Layer | 0.05 - 0.5 μm (thin top coat) | 10 - 500 μm (thick deposit) |
| Undercoat | Copper + semi-bright Ni + bright Ni | None (direct on base metal) |
| Hardness | 600 - 800 HV | 900 - 1200 HV |
| Bath Temperature | 35 - 45°C | 50 - 65°C |
| Current Density | Lower (5-20 A/dm²) | Higher (30-60 A/dm²) |
| Anodes | Lead-tin or titanium | Lead-tin (93% Pb / 7% Sn) |
| Finish | Bright, mirror-like | Semi-bright or matte |
| Typical Applications | Automotive trim, faucets, wheels, hardware | Hydraulic rods, molds, dies, shafts, rolls |
Chrome Plating Special Equipment Needs
Chrome plating demands equipment that nickel and zinc lines don't — get these right or the process fails
Higher Voltage Rectifier
Chrome requires 8-15V DC output (vs 6-12V for nickel/zinc) due to low conductivity of chromic acid baths. High-frequency switching rectifier with ripple <5% for uniform deposit, ideally 1-2% ripple. Constant current & voltage modes with PLC control.
Lead-Tin Anodes
Special lead-tin alloy anodes (93% Pb / 7% Sn) are essential — standard titanium anodes cannot withstand chromic acid. Alternative: platinized titanium for automatic systems. Anodes must be removed from bath when idle to prevent contamination.
Chromic Acid Mist Scrubbing
Electroplating chrome releases hydrogen & chromic acid mist (Cr6+) which is toxic and regulated. Mandatory exhaust hoods, mist eliminators and scrubbing systems. Compliance with EPA / local air quality regulations is required.
Precision Heating & Cooling
Bath temperature directly controls hardness and internal stress. Requires PID-controlled titanium/PTFE immersion heaters with ±1°C accuracy, and cooling capacity since chrome plating generates heat. Constant circulation for ΔT ≤ 2°C.
Recommended Equipment for Chrome Plating
Choose the right plating line based on your parts, volume and process requirements.
Vertical Lift Plating Line
Space-saving automatic line with vertical hoist movement. Ideal for decorative chrome on automotive parts & limited-floor-space facilities.
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Manual & Semi-Automatic Plating Line
Flexible rack line for small-batch chrome plating. Ideal for hard chrome on hydraulic parts, molds & multi-variety production.
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Hard Chrome Plating Line
Specialized line for hydraulic rods, cylinders, rolls & molds. Heavy-duty tanks, high-current rectifiers (8-15V) and lead-tin anodes for thick deposits.
Request Info →Chrome plating — especially decorative chrome — requires a mirror-polished surface. Barrel plating tumbles parts together, which scratches the finish. Chrome is therefore plated by rack (hanging) plating only, keeping parts separated on racks throughout the process.
Chrome Plating Applications
Chrome plating serves critical functions across a wide range of industries
Automotive
Bumpers, trim, wheels, grilles, exhaust tips & interior parts
Hydraulic
Cylinder rods, pistons, valves & hydraulic equipment components
Industrial Tooling
Molds, dies, rolls, shafts, machine parts & cutting tools
Sanitary & Decorative
Faucets, shower heads, door handles & bathroom fixtures
Decorative Chrome Plating
Mirror-finish chrome for automotive trim, wheels & consumer products
Vertical Lift Chrome Line
Vertical lift plating line for decorative chrome production.
Decorative Chrome Parts
Mirror-finish decorative chrome on consumer products.
Automotive Trim
Bright chrome trim for automotive exterior parts.
Chrome Plated Hardware
Decorative chrome plating on hardware components.
Chrome Fixtures
Bright decorative chrome on fixtures & fittings.
Hard Chrome Plating
Wear-resistant chrome for hydraulic rods, molds & industrial parts
Hard Chrome Plating Line
Dedicated hard chrome line for thick, wear-resistant deposits.
Hard Chrome Parts
Thick hard chrome deposits for wear resistance.
Hydraulic Rods
Hard-chromed hydraulic rods & cylinders.
Molds & Dies
Wear-resistant hard chrome on molds & tooling.
Industrial Parts
Hard chrome for heavy-duty industrial components.
Need a Chrome Plating Line?
Tell us your requirements — parts type, production volume and process preference. We'll design the right chrome plating solution within 24 hours.