Replacement for Hard Chrome Plating in Printing Machinery

Airline and printing industry are looking for new techniques to replace electrolytic chrome plating in their machinery because of the toxic and carcinogenic characteristics of hexavalent chromium used in the ECP. Hard chrome platings are compared to thermal sprayed coatings and different techniques are shown. The article gives examples of Hard chrome replacement in printing applications, shows activities of government, airline and textile industries. Different types of coatings, produced with different spraying techniques, are compared in wear and corrosion tests. The results lead to an economical evaluation of HVOF sprayed alternative coatings and gives a hint to the HCAT-Program.