Chrome pipes for furniture can be used as decor and as part of the design. In the first version it will be accessories, and in the second - a structural element.
Main characteristics
Applying a layer of chromium on the pipe allows you to protect the product from corrosion and give it an aesthetic appearance. Chrome parts are made of metal, plastic and other materials. In furniture manufacturing, a layer of chromium is usually applied to an atomized layer of copper or nickel.
Chromium applied to pipes protects against mechanical stress and moisture. It is used as a wear resistant and inexpensive material. These properties explain why chrome pipes are used for furniture.
There are three ways of chromium plating: chemical, diffusion, electrolytic. The latter method allows you to get a pipe with a different structure. Therefore, several types of chromium are distinguished:
- Milk - elastic, but not durable chrome. This type of pipe is used for furniture in cases where they need to be bent. The appearance of the product does not deteriorate.
- Brilliant has an external appeal. The main property is wear resistance. This is due to the use of such pipes. Used in areas of furniture that are often touched.
- Solid - has high strength due to a thick coating layer. It is rarely used for furniture.
Pipe sizes
The most common diameter of chrome pipes for furniture is 25 millimeters. But other sizes are also used:
- 10 or 16 millimeters - most often made from copper. Pipes of this size are most characteristic of furniture made in a modern style.
- 25 millimeters - the supporting elements and decorative fittings are made from them. With this diameter, chrome pipes for bathroom furniture are used (shelves, heated towel rails).
- 32 millimeters - also found in bathrooms.
- 50 millimeters - characterized by increased strength. Therefore, they can be used for the manufacture of supports (for example, bar counters). Such pipes can withstand weight up to 60 kg.
- 40 or 50 millimeters - are used for the manufacture of stair railings.
How to work with chrome pipes
To use pipes, you need to know how chrome pipes for furniture are processed. In addition to knowledge, you will need a set of simple tools.
The chrome pipe is bent using a blowtorch. Warming up the product should occur gradually. Do not use open fire for these purposes. During operation, care must be taken so that furniture fittings are not damaged. The chrome-plated pipe is clamped in a vice pre-wrapped in fabric. These precautions are necessary so as not to damage the surface of the product.
Before cutting the pipe, it is necessary to make sketches from cardboard. Only then can you start sawing. A chrome pipe is cut using a hacksaw with small teeth. Do not use a grinder, otherwise the metal will overheat and deform.
You can remove the resulting burrs with an emery cloth or a file with a small fraction.
Parts of chrome pipes are connected by special elements, on which a layer of chromium is also applied.