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This section provides an overview for chromium plating as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 23 chromium plating companies and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked chromium plating companies as of December, 2024: 1.Hard Chrome Plating, 2.Bunty LLC, 3.Val-Kro Industrial Plating, Inc..
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Categories Related to Chromium Plating
Chromium plating generally has the following characteristics:
Chromium plating can be broadly divided into decorative chromium plating and hard chromium plating.
Conventionally, hexavalent chromium was used for chromium plating, but in recent years, trivalent chromium has been increasingly used.
The reason for this is that hexavalent chromium is harmful to the human body, and the RoHs directive, enforced by the European Union in 2006, restricted the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
The following is a description of the uses of chromium plating for each of the hard chromium plating and decorative chromium plating.
Hard chromium plating is used for parts in industrial equipment that require abrasion resistance and low wear. Examples of applications where hard chromium plating is used include automobile engine parts, rollers for metal rolling, molds, and drill blades.
This plating is used for parts that require corrosion resistance and a beautiful luster design. Examples of where decorative chromium plating is used include the exterior parts of automobiles and motorcycles, faucet fittings, and decorative accessories.
The most basic method of chromium plating is to use a solution called a Sargent bath. The typical composition of a Sargent bath is 250 g/L chromic anhydride and 2.5 g/L sulfuric acid.
The product to be plated is the cathode, and the lead alloy is the anode. When a direct current is applied to both poles, a reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, and chromium plating is deposited.
There are two types of chromium plating: hard chromium plating and decorative chromium plating.
In most cases, steel parts are used as materials for hard chromium plating. The process of hard chromium plating is as follows:
In decorative chromium plating, not only metal materials but also plastic parts are used as materials. Intermediate plating of copper and nickel is done before chromium plating.
Chromium is classified into trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium, depending on the oxidation number. Hexavalent chromium is a substance whose use is prohibited by the RoHS and RoHS2 directives due to its reported environmental pollution and toxicity to the human body. Specific examples of hexavalent chromium toxicity include damage to skin and mucous membranes to which hexavalent chromium adheres, as well as liver and kidney failure.
As for chromium plating treatment, the use of hexavalent chromium has been mainstream in the past. In recent years, however, the toxicity of hexavalent chromium has become widely known, and plating processes using trivalent chromium as an alternative have come into use. Trivalent chromium plating is superior in terms of uniformity, and methods have been developed that provide corrosion resistance equivalent to that of conventional plating. In addition, it is harmless to the human body, making it an easy-to-use plating method in terms of workability.
Chromium plating is known to have cracks called microcracks. These cracks extend from the surface to the interior, allowing moisture and dirt to penetrate through the surface to the interior material, causing corrosion.
On the other hand, this structure is thought to inhibit the progress of corrosion. If we consider the chromium as the anode and the metal inside as the cathode, we can see that a corrosion cell is formed in which different metals are in indirect contact with each other due to moisture and dirt. Since the current flowing in a corrosion cell is proportional to its surface area, in the case of large cracks, the current is concentrated there and corrosion progresses rapidly. On the other hand, in the case of microcracks, where there are many tiny cracks, the current is distributed to each location, thus slowing down the corrosion process. Therefore, it is believed that this type of structure can inhibit overall corrosion. As countermeasures against corrosion itself, there are methods such as increasing the thickness of the chromium plating layer or plating another metal, such as nickel plating, under the chromium plating layer.
It is known that the number and size of microcracks correlate with the plating bath temperature and current density during the chromium plating process. For example, a higher plating bath temperature will reduce the number of cracks. However, if the temperature is too high, the plating layer becomes soft and the original properties cannot be obtained.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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BUNTY LLC, established in 2000, is an AS9100D, ISO 9001:2015 and CVMSDC certified manufacturing company that services the automotive, aerospace, energy and medical industries based in the US. The company’s customers include the largest tire manufacturer in the world, the transmission supplier to a large Japanese automaker, and Tier I manufacturers in automotive shocks, brakes, drive trains, and mirror assemblies. It also provides stainless steel parts for the food processing industry that meet FDA standards. It has evolved and became a full-service custom machined, forged and cast metal parts fabrication enterprise, with domestic and overseas manufacturing, warehousing and inspection facilities.
Hard Chrome Specialists Inc., established in 2005, is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, as a manufacturer of surface finishing and plating technologies. The company's offerings encompass services like electroplating, anodizing, and specialty coatings, enhancing the quality and performance of products across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical devices. The company has received awards, including the Surface Excellence Award in 2017 and the Sustainability Innovation Award in 2019. The company holds several certifications, including ISO and CE certifications, for adhering to international quality and safety standards.
Hard Chrome Plating, established in 2005, is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, USA, as a manufacturer specializing in the conception, creation, and delivery of technology solutions. It manufactures products and services, including software development, cloud solutions, AI, user-centric mobile apps, and responsive web solutions. The company received such as the 2018 Tech Innovator Award and the 2020 Digital Transformation Excellence Award. In addition, the company complies with certifications such as ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) or ISO 27001 (Information Security Management System). Its clientele spans various industries like finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
Val-Kro Industrial Plating, Inc., established 1960, is a manufacturer and supplier based in North Tonawanda, New York, specializing in industrial plating solutions. The company offer a comprehensive range of plating services, including precision coatings, finishes, and surface treatments for various industries. Val-Kro's knowledge and advanced processes enhance durability and performance. Their services find application in critical sectors, from aerospace to electronics, ensuring components withstand harsh conditions. As a principal partner, Val-Kro Industrial Plating plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and longevity of parts used in diverse applications, showcasing a pledge to excellence and dependability
Ace Roll & Shaft, which opened its doors in 1952, is a supplier of CNC machining and plating services, and it is located in Erie, PA. The CNC services include machining, milling, grinding, turning, and honing, whereas the plating services include selective plating, electroless nickel plating, mold plating, hard & black chrome plating, and arm coat plating with benefits such as improving lifespan, corrosion resistance, self-lubricating, favourable adhesion, and heat & cold resistance. The company offers repairs and salvage services for hydraulic pistons.
Roll Technology Corp. (RTC) is a precision roll manufacturer and finisher founded in 1972 and based in Greenville, South Carolina. The company produces various types of rolls including models used to coat materials with paint, varnish, or adhesives, as well as for heat transfer or to flatten paper products and textiles. RTC provides hard chromium plating and precision grinding services from their main facility with over 50,000 sq ft of floor space, which is equipped with multiple grinders, CNC machines, and chrome plating tanks.
Products Finishing Inc., established in 1960, and located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a custom manufacturer and supplier of fabricated metal products. The company's range of custom services includes plating, machining, grinding, assemblies, and horning, which serves in industries such as textile, military, aerospace and glass industries. Its custom services enhances surface properties, creates precise components, achieves fine surface finishes, combine parts for functional products, and refines internal surfaces for optimal performance.
Cook-Leitch Inc. was incorporated in 1964 and serves as a distributor for engineered components and metal finishing solutions. Cook-Leitch serves a number of industries including home & commercial appliances, aerospace & defense, automotive, agriculture, fluid power & hydraulics, distribution, and heavy truck & construction equipment. Some of Cook-Leitch’s product categories include powdered metal featuring Eastern Sintered Alloys, screw machine/complex shafts featuring Precision Capital LTD, springs/wire forms/stampings featuring Wire products company, split seam tubes featuring Baker Stamping, fasteners featuring Vasco Inc, and metal finishing featuring Decal Metal Finishing, Hale Performance Coatings, and Whitaker Finishing.
Erie Hard Chrome Inc. (EHC) is established in Pennsylvania since 1964 providing plating services on an industrial level. The company provides Hard Chrome plating with various coatings such as smoke, precision flash, satin hard, and polished chrome finishes. These types of finishes are extensively used in the nuclear, automotive, and aerospace industries. There is also Electroless Nickel Plating for corrosion prevention of metals that have wide use in many mechanical and electrical applications such as oil refineries, hydraulic pistons, missiles, compressors, etc. Other special plating applications include Micro Tuff, Marvalloy, and Millennium KR processes.
Reliable Plating Corp., established in 1954, and located in Chicago Illinois, is a custom manufacturing company, specializing in electroplating and metal finishing services. The company's product range encompasses electroplating solutions like chrome, cadmium, copper, nickel, and tin plating, catering to diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, military, and telecommunications. With ISO 9001:2015 certification, the company offers quality services that uphold their name as a provider in the field of surface coatings.
New Method Plating Co., Inc. founded in Worcester, MA in 1940 is distributor of Steel and Steel Services. The company's product portfolio includes Hot-rolled steel sheets and coils for various applications, Cold-rolled steel with precise dimensions and surface finish, Galvanized and coated steel for enhanced corrosion resistance, Structural steel for construction and engineering projects and Stainless steel. Their products are used in industries such as construction, Automotive, Transportation and aerospace and Defense.
Qingdao Chifine Machinery Co. Ltd. is a Chinese custom manufacturer of metal casting and machining products established in 2005 and located in Qingdao, Shandong. The company primarily offers custom steel, aluminum, and iron casting products. These include cast iron metal casting counterweights, steel marine connection hardware, and trailer half-axles for agricultural machinery. It also offers machine components including crown bevel gear and pinion shafts, precision machine wheel transmissions, and mechanical steel CNC lathe parts. The company serves clients from a wide range of industries including petroleum, agriculture, and mining.
Rohde AG, established in 1925 in Norten-Hardenberg, Germany, is a manufacturer of advanced aluminum, stainless steel, and plastic handles. The company offers an array of products including metal handles, bow type handles, tubular handles, ledge handles, and plastic handles. These handles provide benefits such as durability, corrosion resistance, and ergonomic design, resulting in enhanced usability and aesthetics. The products are used to provide safe and comfortable grip solutions in appliances and furniture, as well as automotive and industrial equipment industries. Surface treatments such as electroplating, eloxal, electropolishing, and blasting are also offered as services to customers.
Corrosionpedia Inc., established in 2011, is headquartered in Houston, Texas, USA, as a manufacturer of corrosion management and solutions. The company offers a diverse range of services, including educational resources, management consulting, technology integration, and corrosion expertise. The company's online resource offers a comprehensive library of articles, courses, and enthusiasts about corrosion-related topics. The company received the Industry Innovator Award in 2019 and the Corrosion Management Excellence Award in 2021. It caters to diverse industries such as oil & gas, construction, automotive, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
Finishing and Coating, established in 2005, is headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, USA, as a manufacturer and technology solutions provider in the finishing and coating industry. The company produces products within the finishing and coating sector, including innovative coating solutions, precision finishing equipment, and materials. The company received such awards as the Tech Innovator Award in 2018 and the Digital Transformation Excellence Award in 2020. With ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, maintain quality and environmental standards. Its diverse clientele spans the manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
Electro Chemical Finishing, founded in 2005, is headquartered in New York, USA, as a manufacturer in the field of information technology solutions. The company's product line includes technology solutions such as bespoke software development, cloud services, AI offerings, mobile app creation, and responsive web solutions. The company received awards like the Tech Innovator Award in 2017 and the Digital Transformation Excellence Award in 2019. Additionally, the company maintains certifications like ISO and CE to uphold industry-specific standards. The company caters to diverse sectors, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.
EMC Precision, founded in 1925 and located in Elyria, Ohio, is a manufacturer of precision-machined products and assemblies. The company’s range of capabilities includes CNC machining, centerless grinding, hard chrome plating, value-added operations, and automated processes. These capabilities have diverse applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, electronics, and industrial machinery, producing intricate components, enhancing durability, achieving tight tolerances, and streamlining manufacturing processes for specific applications across sectors. The company also holds IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certifications.
R.A. Heller Co. is a manufacturer and supplier of hard chrome plating and precision grinding services. The company is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States and was established in 1946. R.A. Heller Co. offers products such as hydraulic rods, cylinders, rolls, molds, and dies, among others. The products are used for various purposes, such as enhancing wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and surface hardness of metal parts. The company also provides honing, polishing, machining, and welding services for its clients. The products are used in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, paper, plastic, and steel.
AGC Industrial Solutions, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Namur, Belgium, is a contract manufacturer of plastic, metal, and electronic components. Its operational offices are in Shanghai and Qingdao, and it helps small and medium enterprises worldwide to manage and maintain projects in China through subcontracting and purchasing support. The company has over 70 active and audited suppliers and provides services such as casting, stamping, and precision machining. It offers four industrial solutions for manufacturing plastic components, including plastic injection, machining, and 3D printing.
Sun Industry Co., Ltd., established in 1949 with headquarters in Ina City, Nagano, Japan, is a supplier of specialty surface treatments for industry. The company's facilities offer numerous lines for such processes as electroless nickel plating, hard chrome plating, electroless tin plating, magnesium chemical conversion treatments, and stainless electropolishing. It acquired IATF 16949 certification of approval for the automotive industry in 2022 and serves industries that include automotive, agriculture machinery, electronics manufacturing, medical equipment manufacturing, and new energy.
Ultra Plating Corp., founded in Green Bay, WI is a supplier of metal finishing. The company's product portfolio includes Hard Chrome, Surface Finishing, Roll Services, Sulfamate Nickel and Electroless Nickel. Their products are used to enhance the appearance and durability of automotive components, providing metal finishing solutions for electronic components and enclosures, Meeting the strict requirements of the aerospace industry for durability and quality and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of metal products in the consumer goods sector.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hard Chrome Plating |
15.3%
|
| 2 | Bunty LLC |
12.9%
|
| 3 | Val-Kro Industrial Plating, Inc. |
6.5%
|
| 4 | Hard Chrome Specialists. |
5.6%
|
| 5 | Products Finishing, Inc. |
5.6%
|
| 6 | Roll Technology Corporation |
5.6%
|
| 7 | Electro Chemical Finishing |
4.8%
|
| 8 | EMC Precision |
4.8%
|
| 9 | Sun Industry Co.,LTD. |
4.8%
|
| 10 | Reliable Plating Corp. |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the chromium plating page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
13 | 76.5% |
|
China
|
1 | 5.9% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 5.9% |
|
Belgium
|
1 | 5.9% |
|
Japan
|
1 | 5.9% |
