InnerArmor Coatings for Hard Chrome Replacement
InnerArmor coatings are a technological breakthrough that benefit many industries including oil and gas, chemical processing, automotive, aerospace and semiconductor. Before InnerArmor coatings were introduced, hard chrome plating served the same industries. Chrome plating is applied for wear resistance, lubricity, oil retention and other purposes. It can increase corrosion resistance, surface hardness, wear resistance and reduce friction. The chart shown compares hard chrome plating with InnerArmor coating technology. which provides unprecedented protection from corrosion, erosion and wear.
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Hardness / Wear Resistance
Hard chrome coatings deliver strong wear resistance but typically require a very thick coating. Since InnerArmor coatings are nearly twice as hard as chrome plating, a much thinner coating can deliver better wear resistance. The multiple layers of InnerArmor coatings can be fine tuned to the specific type of wear (e.g. sliding, abrasive, erosive) encountered in a given application.
Corrosion Resistance
Chrome is susceptible to cracking, which can compromise its ability to resist corrosion. Since corrosion is an electrochemical reaction, metals like chrome are inherently more corrosive than inert insulators like InnerArmor. Also, in harsher environments, chrome often requires various non-corrosive coatings be applied to the part to supplement chrome. With strong corrosion protection, InnerArmor coatings are designed to be inert to the application environment. They are pinhole free and protect against most corrosive materials including
H2S, HCl, HF, CH4, CO2, and Salt.
Coefficient of Friction
Hard chrome coatings typically require a polishing process after being applied in order to smooth the coating. Even after this process, components are left with relatively poor friction characteristics. Bonding to the surface with no further processing required, InnerArmor Coatings have a much lower coefficient of friction, which leads to improved efficiency in automotive and many other applications.
Internal Coverage / Uniformity
The process of plating hard chrome to a part can amplify surface defects and roughness because hard chrome has no leveling effect. Unlike chrome plating, which may require designs to accommodate the uneven nature of the process, InnerArmor follows the shape of the substrate as it is chemically bonded. Like glass, InnerArmor coatings are intrinsically self-leveling, for smooth, uniform coverage even across long lengths of tubing.
Coating Thickness
Chrome plating provides a thick layer of protection, which substantially decreases flow of matter through the substrate. The amount of energy required to move the same volume is higher compared to InnerArmor coatings, which offer improved wear protection with a thinner coating. Using a layered approach, InnerArmor coatings are adapted to meet the thickness requirements of the application.
Environment Impact
Today, there is a greater emphasis on creating processes that produce less discharge, therefore helping to preserve the ozone. The process of hard chrome plating uses harsh, hazardous materials, including hexavalent chromium which is recognized as a human carcinogen. Chrome plating also faces stiffening government regulations. In contrast, InnerArmor processes generate no major waste products and are considered benign and environmentally friendly.
Cost of Ownership
Chrome plating requires multiple steps including processing at specially permitted sites to meet environmental regulations and post processing to complete preparation of the surface. Because of environmental regulations, the availability of chrome plating services is limited. InnerArmor coatings are applied in a one step process as part of an organization’s manufacturing line or at an authorized coating partner’s facility. No special permits are required to deliver the process and no post surface processing is required. With InnerArmor coatings, customers can reduce component shipping and post processing labor while applying an environmentally benign coating with improved performance.