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Nickel plating vs. chrome; hex vs. tri

Hi every one, this is Lake from China. I have 2 questions.

1. what is the difference between nickel coating and chrome coating? How can I judge from their appearance?

2.what the difference between the coating of Trivalent Chrome and Hex Chrome?

Is there any Hex chrome on the coating of metal after the work is done?

Lake Zhao
plating shop employee - China
June 30, 2010

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Hi, Lake.

The best way to tell nickel from chrome is to see them side by side. Remove a part from the plating rack after nickel plating and before chrome. If that is not practical, then strip the chrome from a finished part. You will see the blueish cast of the chrome vs. the yellowish cast of the nickel if you see the same parts side by side.

Your second and third questions can't be answered until it is perfectly clear in your mind whether you are doing chrome electroplating or chromate conversion coating, because the answers are totally different and you will get hopelessly confused. So get back to us after you are absolutely sure and clear which process you are speaking of. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June , 2010