Kromausmenetelmillä

Kromausmenetelmillä refers to a group of electroplating techniques used to deposit a thin layer of chromium onto a substrate. This process, also known as chromium plating or chrome plating, is widely employed for both decorative and functional purposes. Decorative chromium plating typically results in a bright, shiny, and corrosion-resistant finish, commonly seen on automotive parts, faucets, and household appliances. Functional chromium plating, often referred to as hard chrome plating, emphasizes wear resistance, hardness, and reduced friction. This type of plating is applied to tools, dies, hydraulic cylinders, and engine components.

The electroplating process involves immersing the object to be plated, acting as the cathode, in an electrolyte solution containing chromium ions. An anode, typically made of lead or a lead-antimony alloy, is also placed in the solution. When an electric current is passed through the solution, chromium ions from the electrolyte migrate to the cathode and are reduced, depositing as a metallic chromium layer onto the object's surface. The composition of the electrolyte, temperature, current density, and plating time are carefully controlled to achieve the desired thickness and properties of the chromium deposit. Different types of chromium plating baths exist, with the most common being chromic acid baths. Post-plating treatments, such as polishing or passivation, may be applied to enhance the finish or corrosion resistance.