What are the Methods for Removing Chrome Plating on the Surface of CNC Machined Parts?

 

 

Chrome plating gives out all the luster and gloss of CNC machining parts. Chrome plating not only makes any metal object look shiny; it also makes the metal resistant to corrosion and discoloration and the metal is durable. But not all gloss is related to chrome plating, so we need to remove chrome plating on the surface of CNC machined parts. This article is about chrome plating, I hope you can understand it after reading it.

 

 

 

What is chrome plating?

 

 

Chrome plating refers to the process of plating a thin layer of chromium on the surface of any CNC machined part through electroplating. This coating is applied to metal to increase the durability of the metal. It appears as a shiny silver coating on the object. There are many compounds that provide similar glossy finishes, such as polished aluminum, but chrome plating usually takes on a brighter, more mirror-like form, resulting in more accurate reflections.

 

 

 

Uses of chrome plating

 

 

Chrome plating is usually used for one of two purposes: decoration or engineering.

 

Chrome plating is used on the surface of CNC machined parts to provide very high hardness, improve wear resistance, reduce friction, provide wear resistance, and in some cases improve corrosion resistance. Chrome plating is an electrolytic process, which can be applied to ordinary steel, stainless steel, aluminum and other materials, as well as chrome plating on the surface of various steels.

 

 

 

Why chrome plating?

 

Chrome plating makes CNC machined parts more durable and anti-corrosion protection. Because chromium plating is the same as many surface treatments, long-term use will cause the wear of the chrome layer and even damage the chrome layer. So it becomes very important to consider how to remove the chromium coating on CNC machined parts.

 

 

 

How to remove the chromium plating on the surface of CNC machined parts?

 

 

1. Chemical removal of chrome plating on the surface of CNC machined parts

 

 

a. Sodium hydroxide removal method:. Sodium hydroxide solution is strongly alkaline, use an acid solution-dip the chrome plating material into the solution and make it work. The result is also the peeling of chromium from the material immersed in the solution. Then clean it up with a mixture of water and detergent.

 

b. Reverse electroplating removal method: Known by the name is to reverse the order of electroplating. It should be noted that reverse electroplating is an extremely dangerous removal method, involving some harmful chemicals, so it requires professionals to perform it.

 

c. Hydrochloric acid removal method: It is completely different from the alkaline treatment method of sodium hydroxide. Hydrochloric acid is an acidic treatment method with strong corrosive characteristics. Because of this, the chromium plating attached to the CNC machined parts can be peeled off by the acid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use professional machinery to remove chrome plating on the surface of CNC machined parts

 

 

 

a.Using ultrasonic cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning machine is a more advanced equipment. This special cleaning agent can easily remove chromium. Ultrasonic cleaners use sound waves to remove chrome plating on CNC machined parts. When it is very difficult to remove chromium from CNC machined parts, this method is undoubtedly quick and effective.

 

b. Use an abrasive jet: Use a suitable mask before starting the process with this method. Because when the sandblasting machine cuts off a small part of chromium, it will produce toxic air dust and sediment. Abrasive jet (sand blasting, also known as sand blasting) This is a method of spraying and grinding chromium materials with fine particles. Abrasive jets are widely used in body repair shops to use this equipment to complete the work of removing chromium.

 

 

 

 

Frequently asked questions about chromium plating on CNC machined parts

 

 

1. Is it possible to spray chrome?

 

You can powder coat chrome. Even if the chrome plating looks great, if the CNC machined part is scratched, it does not look good.

 

 

2. Bad adhesion of the coating

 

 

Poor binding force generally has the following situations:

 

a. The bonding force of the bottom layer is not good. This situation is caused by poor pretreatment, oil stains or oxide film on the CNC machined parts of the base body.

 

b. Improper control of the composition of the primer coating, such as improper ratio of copper to free cyanide in alkaline copper, and hexavalent chromium pollution.

 

c. The surface active agent in the pre-processing procedure adheres to the upper surface of the CNC machined parts and is not cleaned.

 

d. Excessive corrosion, high concentration of rust removal acid in some CNC machining factories or no corrosion inhibitor will also cause poor bonding.

 

 

 

3. Does sanding remove chromium?

 

 

Hand sanding is the easiest and safest method. You can use a high-speed sanding machine, but if you are not skilled, you may end up damaging the surface of CNC machined parts. But you can easily sand off the chromium.

 

 

 

4. Can the removal of chrome plating only be done by professionals?

 

 

Non-professionals can also safely use to remove chrome plating, but the method at the time will cause damage to CNC machined parts. So you still need a professional person to complete it with high quality.