CHROMIUM PLATING

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 971, 14 May 1930, Page 6

CHROMIUM PLATING

HISTORIC INDUSTRY BRITISH IMPROVEMENTS Chromium was discovered in 1797 by a French chemist named Vanquelin, but it was first deposited by Bunsen in 1854. This deposit was first I obtained in the form of a steely grey powder, and the method was not I considered of any commercial value ’ until some years later, when Salzer i obtained a bright deposit, but this j solution also soon became unworkable. It was not until 1920 that a good workable formula was published by Sargent in America, The great fault still to be overcome was the inability to “throw,” that is, to deposit the metal in recessed parts without burning the protruding points. While it is recognised that the scientist in America and Germany did invaluable research work, and evolved the present day Chrome plating process, the British firms have not been asleep. They have so ; improved on the original formula that i their method has a much greater throwing power than any other. One has only to note the stream lines, and absence of recessed parts on all cars manufactured since 1928, to realise how the manufacturers have had to change their radiators and lamp designs, so that the electroplater can turn out a perfect Chrome plated job. Much has been published about Chromium plated ware, perhaps extravagant claims have been made, but it is an undisputed fact that great progress has been made during the last two years. The deposit retains its brilliance iu the presence of sulphur, or gas fumes, and it is everlasting when applied to bathroom fittings. It is the hardest metal known, being 93 per cent, of the hardness of the diamond. Grease does not adhere to it, and 1,700 degrees of heat are required before its brilliance is affected. Its great appeal to the busy housewife is its cleanliness. A wipe over with a damp cloth is all that is required, no metal polish, no elbow grease. Ranges, and gas cookers, electric irons, and, in fact, all the metal articles that have in the past been nickel plated are now being chrome plated; the saving in hard work and metal polish must appeal to every housewife who values the good appearance of a well kept home. In the motor-car industry nearly All manufacturers of repute in England and America are plating their products in chrome; in fact, 1930 is a Chromium year.