2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16
External processing of materials and structures is often performed to give them improved performance. In addition to the protective properties, decorative characteristics are also given in this way. Chrome plating as a kind of plating allows you to ensure the quality of both categories, but this requires the use of special technology. There are many effective solutions on the market for chrome plating equipment, the choice among which depends on many factors.
How does chrome equipment work?
Most chrome plating plants work on the principle of pulverization, that is, spraying. The working tool in this case is an air gun coupled with a compressor. He delivers the composition of the future coating to the surface. However, this process differs significantly from the techniques of applying traditional paint and varnish coatings by more stringent requirements for the organization of the procedure. Actually, equipment for chemical chromium plating is not only pneumatic units, but to a greater extent equipment that provides auxiliary functions. A special place in the technological process is occupied byand surface preparations that give the rough coat the properties it needs, from optimum temperature to sufficient adhesive function.
Varieties of equipment
Such equipment is divided according to two principles - the method of applying the composition and equipment, which plays an important role in the chrome plating process. With regard to the method of applying the solution, either the mentioned spray guns or baths 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 process 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 spray guns is reduced to blowing with an air jet, 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 installations provide a wide range of auxiliary tooling items that also allow chemical treatment, coating correction and anti-corrosion protection.
Key Features
In industrial installations, the bath is the central working component. On average, the volume of such containers is about 600-700 liters. In this case, the bath is mated with a drum, the capacity of which reaches 50 liters. Suchit is important to purchase installations with the expectation of optimal performance, which will depend on the speed of rotation of the drum (on average - 5 rpm). As for the power potential of the engine, it rarely exceeds 3 kW.
Some other characteristics should be considered when choosing equipment for simplified chromium plating. 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 l).
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. Spray units in combination with tanks and accessories take up 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 a free distance of about 1 m be maintained around the units or the whole stand with a bathtub. Direct fixing 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 the kit with a spray gun requires mandatory fixation of the rack on which the spray 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 of parts, depending on the version, may require communication channels. They will be required to provide heating, drainage and disposal of waste materials.
Preparing for chrome plating
Preparatory measures consist of two types of actions - stripping and degreasing. At the first stage, it is important to ensure that the dirt is removed and at the same time to make the surface as even as possible. Sometimes, to perform this operation, grinding is performed using a special machine. At the second stage, degreasing is carried out using appropriate formulations. Often, equipment manufacturers produce such products under their own brand. If there is no special equipment for chromium plating at hand, then to independently perform the procedure, you can limit yourself to gasoline or alkali etching.
The technical equipment is being prepared next. For a spray gun, it is necessary to prepare a compressor with suitable performance characteristics. Power is usually supplied from a 220V mains, but industrial installations are often connected to 380V outlets.
Chrome plating technique
The operation begins with pouring the solution into a container in which chromium plating will take place. 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 mixturenecessary electrical properties. Then you can proceed to the direct immersion of the workpiece. This process depends on the type of chrome plating equipment 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 technological bath can make adjustments to the formation of a chrome coating. After immersion, the workpiece can remain in solution for several hours, after which it is removed and left under airflow until it reaches optimal physical qualities.
How much does chrome plating cost?
Simplified kits with atomizers 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 increases with the expansion of the configuration in which the equipment for chromium plating is presented. The price of the same spray kits can reach up to 100 thousand, but in this case, a complete set of necessary mixtures, primers and mortars will also be provided.
Industrial installations are estimated at 300-500 thousand. Such equipment is often equipped with enterprises that manufacture products in a serial mode. But if you need to process only one small part, then you can do without special equipment for chrome plating by ordering the 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 chrome plating arises for various reasons. For example, professional equipment for chrome plating and gilding, the price of which is about 300 thousand, may be required by a construction company, a car service center, or a manufacturing machine tool plant. In this case, most likely, there will be a calculation for providing a protective layer with an anti-corrosion and mechanically resistant structure. At the household level, this technique is more often used for decorative purposes, for example, elements of facades, interiors, cars, as well as small accessories are covered in this way.
Recommended:
Thermal imaging control of electrical equipment: concept, principle of operation, types and classification of thermal imagers, features of application and verification
Thermal imaging control of electrical equipment is an effective way to identify defects in power equipment that are detected without shutting down the electrical installation. In places of poor contact, the temperature rises, which is the basis of the methodology
Foundations for equipment: special requirements, types, design, calculation formulas and application features
Equipment foundations are a necessary part of installing large installations. It is important to understand here that there is a big difference between the foundation for residential buildings, for example, and for various industrial units. Their arrangement and design also proceeds according to different methods
Equipment for agriculture: classification and types, purpose and application
Modern industry produces a variety of equipment for agriculture. It can be, for example, soil-cultivating equipment, as well as fodder, harvesting or sowing. Of course, tractors are also widely used on farms
Gas drying: definition, characteristics, methods and types of work, application of installation and special equipment
Gas drying is one of the cleaning methods that helps to get rid of moisture inside the pipeline. Its appearance is quite dangerous, as it causes corrosion of the metal. In addition, since mining is also carried out in conditions of low temperatures, ice formation is possible
Alternative energy in Russia: concept, classification and types, stages of development, necessary equipment and application
Alternative energy in Russia is currently quite poorly developed. This is supported by the fact that less than 1% of all energy produced comes from such sources. On a national scale, this is extremely small
