Chrome plated tubing is a specialised metal element which is commonly used in industry, hydraulic and engineering industries. Its ability to be both corrosion resistant, durable and finish at high levels of precision, makes it a perfect solution in cases where smooth, high-wearing surfaces are needed. This detailed guide will cover all you need to know about chrome plated tubing including technical specifications and benefits, selection guidelines, general applications and tips to follow when maintaining.
What Is Chrome Plated Tubing?
Chrome Plated Tubing Plastic tubing Plastic tubing is metallic tubing with several steel and/or other metal tubing whose exterior (or interior) surface is covered with a thin coating of chromium. This is typically done through electroplating, and is meant to give the tube a hard and corrosion resistant surface. It is frequently made using draw-over mandrel (DOM) steel, cold-drawn or alloy steel and then coated with a layer of chrome.
There are two main types:
- Chrome plated outside diameter (OD) tubing – in this case the exterior is plated with the interior bore either not plated or honed.
- Chrome plated inside diameter (ID) tubing Chrome plated inside bore, and normal steel outside bore in this case.
In high-accuracy applications manufacturers provide honed internal and chrome plated external or internal surfaces on tubing to provide it with the best possible smoothness and wear resistance.
Why Use Chrome Plated Tubing? Key Advantages
Enhanced Wear Resistance
The plating of chromium gives an extremely hard surface to the tube which greatly helps to diminish wear caused by sliding components or abrasive media. This helps especially in hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, where repetitive movement is concerned.
Improved Surface Finish
Smooth and polished chrome can be used to minimise friction and can be sealed and slide in contact with seals, O-rings, or pistons in a better way.
Dimensional Stability
Since the chrome layer is very thin, it does not distort internal dimensions (when applied properly). This inflexibility of tolerances is significant in precision engineering.
Extended Service Life
A combination of hard surface and corrosion protection is useful in extending the life of the tubing in the demanding applications thus lowering the downtime and maintenance costs.
Critical Specifications and Technical Parameters.
In order to appropriately use and specify chrome plated tubing, there are several technical details that are to be taken into account.
Wall Thickness & Diameter
Common OD of typical tubing can be as little as approximately 9/16 in as well as 9.0 or greater, with a wall thickness of 1/16 to 1.0 based on the structural requirements.
Wall thickness affects load capacity and rigidity, but has to be able to fit the plating in and not compromise tolerances.
Hardness and Mechanical Properties.
Hardness; Chromed tubing is often used with a hardness of Rc 60-72 (base+plating) or more.
The mechanical characteristics of the base steel (yield strength, tensile strength) should be in line with the loading intended.
Typical Uses of Chrome plated Tubing.
Chrome plated tubing is applied in a wide applications and industries where longevity and accuracy are essential:
Hydraulic and Pneumatic cylinders: The plating ensures easy movement of the pistons with a little amount of wear.
Automotive parts: Shock absorber pistons, control linkages or even suspension parts.
Agricultural/heavy equipment: Structural or dynamic components that are subject to severe conditions.
Oil/gas/marine: Components that need to be corrosion-resistant in harsh working environments.
Aerospace/precision engineering: In which weight, wear and finish are of concern.
Ornamental or architectural use: In a few instances, when a smooth finish is an advantage.
The choice of the appropriate Chrome plated Tubing.
The selection of the right tubing relies on the performance, cost, and lifetime. The factors to consider are vital, such as:
Measuring the Application Load & Stress.
Assess the anticipated mechanical forces, pressure, fatigue cycles, bending or axial stress. The demands require a base steel grade and plating thickness to be chosen.
Make sure Dimensional Suitability.
Choose diameters and wall thicknesses that allow adequate strength when plating allowances have been removed. Roundness and check tolerance to guarantee sealing compatibility.
Surface Finish Required.
When precision sliding contact is in use, make sure that the internal bore (in case honed) or the outer surface is made smooth (seals or pistons).
Cost & Lifecycle Cost
In the short term, inexpensive tubing with a thinner plating might appear cost efficient, however, when it decreases lifetime or results in downtimes the actual cost can be more expensive.
Production and manufacturing process.
The knowledge of the formation of chrome plated tubing provides insight into its weaknesses and strengths.
Surface Preparation
The tube is washed, greased or chemically treated in order to get rid of oxides as well as make chrome adhesive.
Finishing
Once the tube is plated, it can be polished, ground, or honed (internal surfaces) to fit smoothness and dimensional requirements.
Inspection
Final inspection entails inspection of thickness, hardness, dimensional tests, straightness and surface finish and adhesion.
Common Issues & Challenges
Although the Chrome Plated Tubing has several benefits, one should be aware of possible pitfalls:
- Excessive plating or improper adhesion: It may cause cracks if the thickness of the plating is too large or if the adhesion is not done correctly.
- Hydrogen Embrittlement: Sometimes hydrogen will creep into the base metal and make it weak, in such plating baths, which is reduced through stress relieving.
- Corrosion Below the Chrome: When the plating is damaged (scratches, pores), it can be corroded under it.
- Surface Defects: Bad preparation or bath contamination may result in roughness, pitting or plating defects.
Chrome plated tubing and how to work with it in your projects.
Here is a suggested approach:
- Specify project requirements – loads, motion, environment.
- Choose the base steel and the dimensions to fit the design stresses to be plated.
- Order supplier requirements – plating thickness, hardness, finish, test reports, tolerances.
- Running samples: Test prototypes in service (wear, friction, sealing).
- Prevention of downtime: Plan replacement or rework before failure.
Conclusion
Chrome plated tubing is an effective and strong option in industries where strong tubing is required, corrosion resistance is needed and the smooth finish of the tubing is required. It has a hard chrome finish that prolongs the life of a machine and is in effect efficient in harsh environments. Chrome plated tubing is also suitable for hydraulic, automotive, and industrial applications, especially when it has been sourced from a trusted supplier and kept in good condition. The tubing will have a long-term value.
