Robin Young wrote:
>
> Jeff...steel can be cadmium plated for corrosion resistance. Paint will
> stick to the coating and the process will not change the properties of metal
> as does chrome plating. Robin
Robin,
You are correct that chrome plating of structural elements can cause
material property degradation. This is caused by the infusion of
hydrogen gas, inherent in the plating process, into the metal. This was
the primary cause of the spokes breaking on the early wire wheel
chromium plating done by owners and decorative platers.
HOWEVER, this is a well known phenomena to any good structural engineer,
and easy to remedy. The plated parts are baked after plating. This
drives out the entrained hydrogen and returns the metal properties.
The plating, in addition, prevents surface corrosion, if properly
maintained, that could lead to unsightly appearance, and more
susceptibility to surface cracks that concentrate loads.
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____________________________
Steve Laifman
Editor
<http://www.TigersUnited.com>
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