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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Alternatives to Chrome Plating 125mm Gun Barrels

Due to environmental hazards, I would like to know what are the alternatives to Chrome plating of high performance tank gun barrels, i.e., 125mm caliber and above? What is the likely increase or decrease in the cost effect of the alternate process or processes? Are the new processes more or less effective in enhancing life of barrel as compared to Chrome Plating?

Naeem Jan Amin
- Rawalpindi, Pakistan
2003

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There is a difference between environmental hazard and environmental damage. A chrome plated item contains no soluble chrome and causes no environmental damage at all. The operation of a chrome plating plant offers the potential for environmental damage, but will cause none if operated properly.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

In summary, there is no alternative available that you could install and operate in Pakistan at lower cost. Alternatives are only being explored at the defense department in the U.S. but nothing in production, to my knowledge.

Mandar Sunthankar
- Fort Collins, Colorado
2003

Consider the Trivalent Chrome used for the LDC Brush Plating Process. Not only would you use minimum amounts of solution, but also: It is non-oxidizing, not toxic, and not carcinogenic. It deposits faster than regular Hexavalent Chrome and with the effect of Heat, the hardness increases.

Abraham Arellanes
- San Diego, California, USA
2003

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Ed. note June 2016: LDC was bought out by Sifco.