External processing of materials and structures is often carried out in order to give them improved performance. In addition to the protection properties, decorative characteristics are thus given. Chrome plating as a type of metallization can ensure the quality of both categories, but this requires the use of special technology. There are many effective solutions on the market for chromium plating equipment, the choice among which depends on many factors.
How does chrome equipment work?
Most plants for chrome plating work on the principle of atomization, i.e. spraying. The working tool in this case is a pneumatic gun, coupled with a compressor. He brings the composition of the future coating to the surface. However, this process differs significantly from the techniques of applying traditional coatings with more stringent requirements for the organization of the procedure. Actually, equipment for chemical chromium plating is not only pneumatic units, but more equipment that provides auxiliary functions. A special place in the technological process is also occupied by surface preparation means, which endow the rough coating with the necessary properties - from the optimum temperature to giving a sufficient adhesive function.
Types of equipment
Such equipment is divided according to two principles - the method of applying the composition and configuration, which plays an important role in the chromium plating process. As for the method of applying the solution, either the aforementioned atomizers or bathtubs can be used, providing a kind of galvanization of the object. The first option is considered simplified and allows you to process small parts. A more thorough approach involves the use of technological baths. As a rule, this is a universal equipment for chrome plating and gilding of any surfaces, which is more often used in industry.
There are also combined options in which the function of the atomizers is reduced to blowing with an air stream, after which the surface is immersed in a container with a solution prepared in advance. These two methods also determine the separation in terms of configuration. Industrial plants provide a wide range of auxiliary equipment accessories, which also allow chemical treatment, coating correction and corrosion protection.
Main characteristics
In industrial installations, the bath is the central working component. On average, the volume of such containers is about 600-700 liters. At the same time, the bath mates with the drum, the capacity of which reaches 50 liters. It is important to acquire such installations with the expectation of optimal performance, which will depend on the speed of rotation of the drum (an average of 5 rpm). As for the power potential of the engine, it rarely exceeds 3 kW.
Several other characteristics should be considered when choosing simplified chromium plating equipment. In this case, you need to rely on the parameters of the spray gun (for example, its nozzles can have a diameter of 1.4 to 1.7 mm). Also included are containers in the form of tanks for water, working mixtures and reagents (from 1 to 3 liters).
From the point of view of further installation, the size of the equipment also matters. Industrial complexes form entire conveyor lines 2-3 m long and 1 m wide. By weight, they can reach 40-50 kg. Spraying units in combination with tanks and auxiliary equipment occupy a little space and weigh about 10-15 kg.
Installation
Installation of equipment should be carried out only in rooms with high-quality forced ventilation. It is desirable that around units or an entire stand with a bath a free distance of the order of 1 m is maintained. Direct fixation is not always carried out. The stand can be fixed with the brackets included in the kit, but if you plan to move the capacities, then this makes no sense. Unless a kit with a spray gun requires mandatory fixation of the rack on which cans and containers with the working mixture are placed.
It is more important to consider another aspect. The fact is that equipment for chrome-plating parts , depending on the version, may require a communication channel. They will be required to ensure heating, drainage and disposal of waste materials.
Chrome plating
Preparatory measures consist of two types of actions - stripping and degreasing. At the first stage, it is important to ensure the elimination of dirt and at the same time make the surface as flat as possible. Sometimes, to perform this operation, grinding is performed using a special machine. At the second stage, degreasing is carried out using appropriate compositions. Often, equipment manufacturers produce such products under their own brand. If there is no special equipment for chromium plating at hand, then for independent execution of the procedure you can restrict yourself to gasoline or alkali etching.
Next, technical equipment is being prepared. For the spray gun, it is necessary to prepare a compressor with suitable operating characteristics. Power is usually supplied from a 220 V network, but industrial installations are often connected to 380 V sockets.
Chrome plating technique
The operation begins with pouring the solution into a container in which chromium plating will occur. A feature of this procedure, which differs from other types of galvanization, is the inclusion of an electrolyte. That is, a current is passed through the prepared solution, which gives the mixture the necessary electrical properties. Then you can proceed to the direct immersion of the workpiece. This process depends on which chromium plating equipment is used. You can organize the procedure with your own hands in a metal container, but it is important to consider that the material of the process bath can make adjustments to the formation of the chrome coating. After immersion for several hours, the workpiece can remain in solution, after which it is removed and left under airflow until optimal physical qualities are obtained.
How much does chrome plating cost?
Simplified kits with spray guns are estimated at 30-40 thousand rubles. For this money, you can get the minimum set of components required to perform this operation. The cost rises as the configuration in which the equipment for chromium plating appears is expanded. The price of the same spray kits can reach 100 thousand, but in this case a complete set of necessary mixtures, primers and solutions will also be provided.
Industrial plants are estimated at 300-500 thousand. Such equipment is often equipped with enterprises that process products in serial mode. But if you want to perform processing of only one small part, then you can do without special equipment for chromium plating, ordering an operation at the same enterprise. On average, a one-time service of this kind costs 1-1.5 thousand, although much depends on the size of the workpiece.
Conclusion
The need for chromium plating arises for various reasons. For example, professional equipment for chromium-plating, gilding, the price of which is about 300 thousand, may be required by a construction company, a car service center, or a machine tool manufacturing plant. In this case, most likely, there will be a calculation to provide a protective layer with an anti-corrosion and mechanically resistant structure. At the household level, this technique is often used for decorative purposes, for example, in this way elements of facades, interiors, cars, as well as small-sized accessories are covered.