Is it possible to HARD CHROME cast aluminum?

Question

If so, what would be the recommended process, (pretreatement or intermediate plating). I am NOT referring to decorative chroming, I am referring to HARD chroming which is typically measured in thousands of inches, NOT microns. Additionally, how resilient of a finish is it? WOuld you use it in a dry running (use and remove from water) boat application. How about galvonic corrosion considerations?

Answer 1

Chrome alu. engine block?

Have been thinking bout doing his

"Aluminum immediately forms a passive film onto which it is not possible to electroplate. The first step therefore is to apply a zincate coating, or such alternatives as Gumm's Bondal or Atotech's Alstan.

Once the zincate finish is in place you can copper-nickel-chrome, but there seems to be movement towards electroless nickel-nickel-chrome instead". at

http://www.finishing.com/0400-0599/575.s...

Why not having it polished?

Frank

Answer 2

You would first copper plate it and then nickel plate and then hard chrome plate it. It is a tough finish and you can use it in the water as well as out of the water. Sooner or later it will start to corrode. The thicker the coating, the better.