Advanced Hard Chrome Technology for Superior Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction

Scientific tests and more than 20 years of commercial experience have demonstrated the superior performance of this process for dry friction, lubricated sliding wear applications as well as suspension system corrosion prevention.
Atotech's HEEF® hard chrome process gives piston rings, engine valves and suspension parts excellent wear performance due to its high hardness characteristics.
 

HEEF® 25 - Modern, Ecological and Economical Hard Chrome Technology

Conventional sulfate hard chrome baths and electrolytes are often not convincing due to their low efficiency and consequently high energy requirements. The required levels of corrosion and wear resistance are not always completely fulfilled.

 
Atotech's HEEF® 25 is the better hard chrome system:

• HEEF® 25 is based on the use of high purity, patented catalysts
• The properties of the deposited coatings and layer systems are tailored to match actual industry requirements through a dialogue with the users by our global network of experts
• It is highly economical due to improved current efficiency
• Is a future orientated process in combination with advanced environmental technology
• Has extreme wear resistance
• Ensures high level protection against corrosion
• Can increase in component lifetime
• Is ideal for refurbishment of used components and machines

The properties of your products can be improved with a HEEF® 25 hard chrome coating, specifically their corrosion and wear resistance. From a wide and varied range of possibilities the desired properties can be achieved by tailoring the electrolytic and deposition parameters.
 

Material Properties of HEEF® 25:

Hardness

In general hard chrome layers exhibit a high micro-hardness. Matt or satin finish chrome coatings, e.g. hot chrome, typically have micro-hardness values at the lower end of the range. HEEF® 25 plating, as deposited, is very smooth and demonstrates highly favorable wear values. In addition even layers of 500µm and higher thickness can be deposited without nodules. With hardness values of approx. 1,050 HV0,1 HEEF® 25 coatings are almost twice as hard as hot chrome layers.

Durability

Good resistance against a large variety of acidic and alkaline media. This is the basis for the convincing corrosion resistance of the layers and channel systems.

Corrosion Protection

The presence of microcracks in hard chrome coatings help provide the maximum level of corrosion protection. The microcracks form a network of cracks in the surface of the coating, normally being formed by the simultaneous deposition of chromium hydroxide during the plating process. The microcracks in HEEF® 25 layers run in all directions, crossing each other, to form a labyrinth type seal which provides additional corrosion protection. In many cases this allows typical plating thicknesses to be reduced to a minimum. The network of microcracks also provides other positive surface properties, for example with an improved oil adhesion on hydraulic components.

Economics

The high current efficiency of HEEF® 25 hard chrome technology ensures a highly economic process. The resulting energy savings and optimized equipment utilization are deciding factors for the application of Atotech hard chrome technology. It is true that the efficiency of conventional sulfate baths can be increased by the use of catalysts containing fluorine complexes. However the environmental disadvantages of these materials put their use to question.

Ecology

Recycling and regeneration are at the forefront of our development programs for future plating technologies. The cleanest disposal method is the removal of the high value process materials from effluent water and exhaust. The application of rinsing water recycling, electrolyte regeneration and measures for maintaining air cleanliness make the HEEF® 25 process environmentally friendly.