Behind the Scenes of Nickel Chrome Plating

I would describe the appearance of nickel chrome as a reflection of a mirror. The smoother the surface of chrome plating, the more reflective it will be. Nickel plating has a white finish and the chrome plating has a clear translucent finish which is hard and scratch resistant.
Nickel plating provides a unique combination of wear resistance and corrosion, and it provides excellent adhesion properties for subsequent coating layers, this is why it is used as an “undercoat” for chrome and other coatings. The technology of nickel electroplating has been widely developed, making it possible to produce a broad range of industrial coatings for both decorative and functional applications. This widespread use reflects nickel´s beneficial properties as a coating material; it enhances the utility, value, and appeal of manufactured products such as consumer goods. It is the perfect dual combination that provides an attractive finish and functional properties.
Engineering or Decorative Nickel Plating?
Nickel plating can go in many directions, such as engineering nickel plating, decorative nickel plating, or a combination of both! Engineering nickel plating achieves a matte finish and is generally used in consumer electronics, chemical, computer and telecommunication industries. Decorative nickel plating, which includes the use of chromium, is used to improve the appearance of exterior auto parts such as grills and bumpers. Usually, when applying nickel-chrome plating, a layer of copper is placed in the middle to increase its resistance.
Layering Coatings for Improved Appearance & Performance
Bright Nickel Chrome is often the layer you see, but depending on your application requirements, the layers of metal plating underneath the bright nickel chrome can include copper, nickel, high sulphur nickel, semi-bright nickel, and a final topcoat of chromium. There can be so many layers because the layer of nickel is structured to provide an increased level of corrosion protection.
Uses of Nickel Chrome
Nickel-chromium alloy works well with steel, copper, brass and zinc substrates. Not only the aesthetic appearance is changed, but the lifespan of the part is increased by fighting off corrosive agents and their damaging parts. They are highly heat resistant- which means they can be sterilized using heat-related methods and used on components that operate at high temperatures. Nickel-chrome is extremely abrasion resistant, which makes it very useful in the automobile industry, medical equipment, and parts that are exposed to constant contact, like railings, handles, and door handles, as it enables them to not only withstand its daily use but to retain their polished-looking finish.
Jacquet Weston Engineering Packaged Demineralisation Water Treatment Plant
Manually operated, the de-mineralisation unit produces up to 200 l/h when connected to a 1,000 litre holding tank. At the estimated hourly production of 45 l/h demineralised water the unit will need regenerating every 75-80 hours.
- Stock No
- MA748
- Category
- Electroplating & treatment lines
- Model
- Jacquet Weston Engineering Ion Exchange Plant
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- Brake / Storage Tank Ø900 x 1500
- Process Stages
- Single Stage
- Other Info
- Producing up to 200 litres/hour
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Eagle Engineering and Pioneer Prototype Unused, 14 Stage, Semi-Auto, Rack & Barrel Plating Plant
An Unused, 14 Stage, Polypropylene Barrel Plating Plant with Transporter. Includes two barrels and can be commissioned and adapted by the OEM.
- Stock No
- PIO5701
- Category
- Electroplating & treatment lines
- Model
- Eagle Engineering and Pioneer Prototype Manual
- Year of Manufacture
- 2023
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 830 x 580/1235/1480 x 645
- Process Stages
- 14
- Other Info
- Barrels 2 off 385mm wide 300mm Ø
- Condition
- Brand New, Excellent Condition, Unused, Current Model
- Location
- Hereford, UK
- Direct Site Clearance Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Clearance ends
- 29 April 2025 16:30 GMT while stocks last
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Unused Rack & Barrel Semi-Automatic Plating Plant
Balco Engineering Ltd Manual Electropolish Line
An ideal opportunity to acquire a manual Electropolishing Line installed by Balco Engineering Limited in 2013 and subject to an upgrade by them in 2016.The line is utilised in the production of medical implants. The plant is fully operational and can currently be viewed working by prospective buyers.
- Stock No
- TEC300
- Category
- Electroplating & treatment lines
- Model
- Balco Engineering Ltd Manual Electropolish
- Year of Manufacture
- 2013
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 200/320/360/390 x 500 x 500
- Process Stages
- 6
- Other Info
- Wall mounted control cabinet containing
- Condition
- From a working environment, Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
- Location
- Sheffield, UK
- Direct Site Clearance Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Tecomet Medical Industry Vibratory & Electropolishing Finishing Lines
Balco Engineering Ltd Automatic Electropolish Line
An ideal opportunity to acquire an automatic electropolishing line, installed by Balco Engineering Limited in 2016 utilised in the production of medical implants. The plant is fully operational and can currently be viewed working by prospective buyers.
- Stock No
- TEC400
- Category
- Electroplating & treatment lines
- Model
- Balco Engineering Ltd Automatic Electropolish
- Year of Manufacture
- 2016
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 260/360 x 500 x 650
- Process Stages
- 6
- Other Info
- Fume Exhaust System (4,386 CFM)
- Condition
- From a working environment, Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
- Location
- Sheffield, UK
- Direct Site Clearance Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Tecomet Medical Industry Vibratory & Electropolishing Finishing Lines
Plasticraft Manganese Phosphate Coating Line
A pre-treatment line in demand for its corrosion-resistant, anti-galling & hardness properties, this manganese phosphate coating line from Plasticraft Ltd is a great opportunity to optimise your steel/steel alloy components for optimum post-paint results.
- Stock No
- ULT750
- Category
- Electroplating & treatment lines
- Model
- Plasticraft Manganese Phosphate Coating Line
- Year of Manufacture
- 2007
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 760 x 610 x 900
- Process Stages
- 8
- Other Info
- See full process schedule attached
- Condition
- From a working environment, Seen working by RSW, Good Condition
- Direct Site Clearance Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
- Clearance ends
- 26 May 2025 15:00 GMT while stocks last
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Plasticraft Manganese Phosphate Coating Line
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