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Hex 3/ Hex 6/ Metallic chrome

I am a little confused as to the process differences between chrome plating process that use hexavalent chromium versus metallic chromium. How do the processes differ and is one used for certain material over others? I recently came back from Thailand and one supplier could not ship chromed bumpers to Europe presumably because of the hex chrome used in process or left in the chrome and had to paint the bumper bars, yet my supplier in south america says they use metallic chrome and should not have a problem shipping.

Secondly why would you bother chrome plating aluminium rather than clear anodise?

Mark Nowson
engineer - Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
June 20, 2008

Hi, Mark. This is indeed a very confusing issue for many readers! I have answered it in letter 45073.

Bright dipped, clear anodized aluminum can look very nice, but it doesn't have the glint of chrome.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 20, 2008

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