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Teflon coating vs. hard chrome plating ?

hi , I am into the flexible packaging company .
the rollers (idlers ) of a heat seal lacquering machine were teflon coated , and have worn off and the aluminum rollers started corrosion .
I was wondering what would be better to do : 1)get chrome plating done ? 2)or teflon coating ? and what is the difference between the 2 ?
Thanks

Jack Garkamel
industrialist - Damman, Saudi Arabia
October 20, 2008

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First of two simultaneous responses -- October 21, 2008

Teflon(there are many different formulations) is basically a very slippery high temp paint. As you have found out, it will wear off with extended use.
Chrome plating (hard or engineering, not decorative) can be reasonably slippery and is very hard and will normally wear a long time. Whether it is applicable to your use is hard to say.
You need to do a diamond point turning to a very fine finish and then plate about 0.003 inches per side of chrome. If it is not beautifully smooth, it should be ground to a very low RMS by someone that is an expert in chrome grinding. If the person and his equipment is not very good, you could easily have it peel off or have a poor finish.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Teflon resists adhesion much better but will not last as long as chrome.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
October 22, 2008

If the rolls where Teflon* coated is because of its nonstick property. I suggest you to re-coat the parts and you will have very good results.

Jordi Pujol
- Barcelona, Spain
October 28, 2008