SUBSTITUTE FOR NICKEL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 534, 11 December 1928, Page 9

SUBSTITUTE FOR NICKEL

CHROMIUM NOW BEING USED Most of the new models now coming on to the Auckland market are advertised to be “chromium plated.” The increasing use of this method threatens to supersede nickel plating for bright parts of the chassis and bodywork, and a description of the process will doubtless be useful to motorists. Many firms will doubtless standardise chromium in place of nickel plating, and there is no doubt that it is only a matter of time before practically all private cars will have this vastly better finish. Not only does it practically eliminate cleaning and polishing, but no matter how long it may be neglected its original brilliance and colour are not lost. With nickel plating, it need hardly he pointed out, regular and careful cleaning is necessary to retain the pristine appearance, and even then time, friction, and atmospheric conditions give rise to deterioration that cannot be prevented. The metal chromium which forms such an important—tjie all important —constituent of stainless steel used for cutlery, surgical instruments, etc., is exceedingly liard. It is, in fact, the hardest of known metals, being five times as hard as hardened steel, and possessing about 96 per cent, of the hardness of a diamond. Durability Its hardness results in chromium plating being practically impervious to tlie most severe usage. No ordinary ill-treatment will scratch it, while at points where it is subjected to continuous or frequent friction arising from normal use—door handles, stepplates, etc.—it is far and away superior to nickel in resisting wear. Chromium plating does not tarnish, discolour, or corrode. It does not go cloudy or “milky” in course of time, like nickel. The atmosphere, rain, sea air, or sea water, alkalines, and salts, have no effect upon its original brilliance. Cleaning is needed merely to remove dirt and the chemicals deposited on the surface from the atmosphere under motoring conditions. Nothing beyond a wipe over with a sponge and leather is required to restore its appearance. Chromium plating certainly costs more than nickel plating, if it is properly applied. It must cost more, as is obvious when it is said that to prove entirely satisfactory the chromium must be deposited on nickel plating—and good nickel plating, too. Despite the extra cost, car manufacturers are standardising it. without increasing the prices of their cars in most cases, and this applies not merely to high grade and expensive cars, but also to some of the cheapest machines in England and the United States. The advantages of any polished metal finish that does not tarnish, rust or discolour can be easily appreciated, and the claims of chromium plating are receiving more and more attention of the car-makers. —“Dunlop” 4 Bulletin.