Hard chrome plating has become standard practice in heavy industry. For companies in the paper, steel, and packaging industries, this means the difference between short-lived parts that require constant maintenance and parts that can withstand high loads, wear, and chemical exposure over long periods of time. Hard chrome plating creates surfaces that are durable, corrosion-resistant, and reduce friction, which in turn results in more reliable and efficient production.
Hard chrome plating – a technical surface treatment that makes a difference
Hard chrome plating is an electrolytic process in which a thin layer of metallic chrome is applied to a part. The result is a hard, even surface that is resistant to corrosion. The process can be used on both newly manufactured parts and for refurbishing existing parts.
Well-executed hard chrome plating reduces friction, preserves precise dimensions, and protects the component. This is particularly important in industries with continuous operation and high loads, where every downtime means production losses.
Hard chrome plating for wear-resistant rollers and cylinders in the paper industry
The paper industry operates in an environment where the combination of moisture, fibers, chemicals, and high temperature fluctuations quickly breaks down untreated metal surfaces. Parts such as rollers, suction rollers, press cylinders, and shafts are continuously exposed to wear from the paper pulp and chemical attack from process fluids. Here, hard chrome plating is not only a protection, it is a prerequisite for stable production.
A hard chrome-plated surface prevents the formation of micro-pits and irregularities that can otherwise lead to coatings and unwanted patterns in the end product. The improved surface ensures even pressure across the entire roll width, which contributes to fewer paper breaks and fewer downtimes. Hard chrome plating gives paper mills longer maintenance intervals and better control over product quality throughout the line.
How hard chrome plating helps the steel industry with improved durability
When it comes to the steel industry, the conditions are completely different. Here, hot, hard, and abrasive materials are handled, exposing rollers, molds, and guide components to heavy impact loads, deformation pressure, and abrasive wear. These loads require a surface treatment that can withstand point loads, repetitive contact, and high temperature variations without losing dimensional stability.
Hard chrome plating adds a surface layer with very high hardness and low friction, which extends the service life of tools. The chrome-plated surface counteracts microcracking, reduces the risk of deformation, and allows components to maintain their tolerances despite heavy use. For steelworks and tool manufacturers, this means fewer rejects, lower tool costs, and more predictable operation in processes where the slightest deviation can affect the entire production chain.
Hard chrome plating for the packaging industry for high speeds and continuous operation
The packaging industry works with precision at extremely high speeds. Here, the problems are not primarily heavy loads or chemical environments, but friction, repeatability, and micro-wear that occur in, for example, molding tools and feed wheels. The slightest change in surface or tolerance can lead to incorrect cuts, material release, incorrect feeding, or quality problems that quickly generate rejects.
Hard chrome plating gives tools and moving parts an improved surface with low friction and high wear resistance, enabling them to deliver the same cut, movement, and precision for thousands of cycles in a row. It reduces heating at high speeds, prevents burrs, and prevents material from sticking to the tools. The result is stable, high-speed operation, which is critical in an industry where the production flow must never slow down.
Contact us for industrial solutions with hard chrome
Do you need durable components that can withstand harsh industrial environments? At Lomma Hårdkrom, you get a comprehensive solution with expert knowledge and modern equipment that ensures long life and reliable operation.
Whether it's hard chrome plating of newly manufactured parts or refurbishment of existing ones, we are confident that we can give your parts a treatment that makes a difference. Contact us today and we will help you find the best solution for your parts.
