Short answer: Nickel plating is the corrosion barrier and dimensional build-up layer, while hard chrome is the wear and low-friction surface at 800–1100 HV; most durable finishes use both — a nickel underlayer for corrosion protection with a thin chrome topcoat for hardness and appearance.
At a Glance
Two Layers, Two Jobs
Electroless and electrolytic nickel deposit a dense, ductile layer that seals the substrate; chrome deposits a very hard but micro-cracked layer that resists abrasion. Because chrome’s cracks reach the substrate, decorative and hydraulic systems plate nickel first — the general finishing landscape is in Metal Surface Treatment Guide and Anodizing Vs Electroplating.
Choosing by Duty
Specify nickel (especially electroless Ni-P) for uniform coverage on complex geometry, salt-spray resistance and restoring worn dimensions; specify hard chrome for hydraulic rods, moulds and shafts where abrasion and friction dominate. Case-hardening alternatives are compared in Nitriding Vs Carburizing, and sprayed alternatives in Thermal Spray Coating Guide. Zinc systems for structural steel are in Zinc Plating Vs Galvanizing.
Process Control & Compliance
Both need blast or acid pretreatment per Shot Blasting Vs Sandblasting and hydrogen de-embrittlement baking on parts above 1000 MPa. Hexavalent chromium is restricted under REACH, so trivalent decorative chrome and electroless nickel are now common substitutes. Plated parts machined by Cnc Machining Supplier are ground after plating to final tolerance; documentation follows Mill Test Certificate Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Nickel plating provides corrosion protection and dimensional build-up at 150–600 HV; hard chrome provides wear resistance and low friction at 800–1100 HV but is porous and usually applied over nickel.
Yes. Hard chrome reaches 800–1100 HV compared with 150–600 HV for nickel, which is why it is used on hydraulic rods and moulds.
Nickel, especially electroless nickel-phosphorus, is the better corrosion barrier because it is dense and crack-free, whereas chrome is micro-cracked.
Yes. HXSCO supplies machined and fabricated parts with electroless nickel, electrolytic nickel and hard chrome plating to your thickness spec.
Need Plated Parts?
HXSCO supplies machined and fabricated components with nickel or hard chrome plating to your thickness and hardness spec. Send your drawing for a quote.