Nickel Chromium Plating Method: Smart Corrosion Protection

Summary for nickel chromium plating method Discussion

Nickel/chromium plating method is discussed in the context of hydraulic piston rods, where Ali Moradian asks how hard chromium plating differs from nickel/chromium plating and why some companies use a nickel underlayer while others use chrome alone. The answer from an unnamed respondent explains that the nickel layer beneath hard chrome is used mainly to improve corrosion resistance in exposed conditions. For hydraulic rods, the nickel is described as sulfur-free, semi-bright, and plated up to about 25 microns, then followed by hard chrome to the required thickness. The thread implies that the nickel-plus-chrome system is chosen when added corrosion protection is needed, while chrome alone may be used in other applications depending on service requirements. No detailed comparison of wear performance is given beyond the question’s mention of corrosion and wear.