Starting in 1973 Formula One rules forbid chrome plating of steel suspension parts. The electroplating
process had been proven to substantially worsen a phenomena known as hydrogen embrittlement.
Hydrogen atoms are diffused throughout all steel alloys, and various manufacturing processes can
cause them to migrate, become concentrated, and build-up in in pressure to the point where cracks
start from within. Since the problem is worse with chrome plating than other finishing operations
(including nickel plating), Formula One rules singled chrome plating out.
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This is true only if the heat treating process is not carried out correctly.With proper heat treating oxygen embrittlement does not occur and it is safe to chrome plate suspension parts.
ReplyDeleteCorrection. Oxygen should read hydrogen.
DeleteHaving built T/F Dragsters starting back in the mid 70s I had figured this out with common since. I always tell people to gp out their local airport and look under the engine cowling. Then tell me how much chrome they saw. Early 70s the after market motorcycle chopper builders broke a number of custom springer front ends in the welds. With hydrogen being the smallest molecule it can find a microscopic pinhole and cause a crack to start causing a weld failure. Any parts that are chromed that are subjected to stresses need to be baked in an oven to relieve that stress. This baking has to be done very shortly after coming out of the plating tanks and must be done to a specific spec. You now see very few parts on race cars plated.
ReplyDeleteI've seen plenty of hydrogen embrittlment in titanium, but hadn't considered it with chrome plating. I wonder what they use now, because the coil springs still have that same chrome finish to them.
ReplyDeleteAllen... Some spring companies bake them in an oven to drive the hydrogen out. I believe there is a "chrome" color for use in powder coating. AN & NAS aerospace fasteners are mostly color etched so as to not have the hydrogen problems. Due to the ever bearing rules and regulations of the government has caused many plating shops to closed due to the high cost of wast water and chemicals disposable cost. Custom type chrome used by the car restoration world has gone through the roof cost wise. It will give you a heart failure when you get the estimate. Give me rattle can flat black and I'm good.
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