what is metal finishing

The Armoloy Corporation is an innovative, US-based metal finishing company specializing in thin dense chrome and coatings application engineering. This franchising organization is equipped with an in-house metallurgical and chemical testing laboratory that focuses on the research and development of new coating technologies and applications.

The Armoloy Corporation performs all chemical, mechanical, and corrosion testing in our in-house laboratory.

The Armoloy Network includes 16 facilities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.  Armoloy is constantly expanding its service offerings with facilities strategically placed for fast lead times and efficient delivery to anywhere across the globe.  Find a full list of our U.S. and international processing facilities by visiting our Licensed Processing Facilities page. Please contact us with any related questions.

Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) can be applied to most ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Thin Dense Chrome is not recommended for aluminum, magnesium, and titanium substrates without an intermediate layer. However, Armoloy’s Bi-Protec® and ALCOAT® are exceptional alternative coating technologies for plating on aluminum substrates and offer unparalleled performance in wear and corrosion protection in the most unforgiving environments.

The Armoloy Corporation operates a total 10 processing facilities across 8 U.S. states, as well as 6 international facilities located in individual countries spread throughout 3 continents.

Armoloy offers two separate process development facilities within the United States that work in partnership with our innovation center. They are located in Illinois and Rhode Island.

Yes, we are happy to work with suppliers to choose the right coating, develop a robust process, and identify the ideal processing partner to fit any application. Learn more about our process on our How It Works page.

Certification to many industry and supplier specifications is available, including AMS 2438 and AMS 2460, depending on the location.  In addition, the Armoloy network has fulfillment centers with Quality Management Systems accredited to NADCAP, ISO 9001, and AS9100 requirements.

Metal coatings are used to impart a variety of properties to components that aren’t otherwise present in the base metal itself. These properties can include improved wear, corrosion, or chemical resistance, they can be applied for aesthetic reasons, to help to reduce friction, fretting, and galling, or for a variety of other reasons. Coatings can be a cost-effective way of meeting performance requirements without having to resort to the use of an exotic or expensive base metal.

While thin dense chrome (TDC) and hard chrome are both considered functional coatings, TDC differs from traditional hard chrome in the thickness and surface texture. TDC coatings are in the range of 0.0001 to 0.0005”, while traditional hard chrome is usually over 0.002”, and can measure 0.010” or more, depending on the application. Because of the very low effective thickness, thin dense chrome can often be applied to existing designs without affecting tolerances or fit-up. In addition, traditional hard chrome has a microcracked surface while TDC has a micronodular surface. Both provide a low wear surface, but the micronodular texture can provide superior lubrication retention and wear resistance. Decorative chrome is another coating entirely and is actually a multilayer coating applied to provide an attractive, shiny surface with good corrosion resistance.

The Armoloy TDC coating will achieve hardness values of up to 78Rc, with results ranging from 72 to 78Rc. Standard hard chrome typically ranges from 68 to 72Rc. The higher rate of hardness is due to the increased density of the coating and lack of a micro-cracked surface. The hardness of the coating is not as applied to the part surface. Due to its incredibly thin nature, hardness readings taken directly on part surfaces measure a combination of the coating and part surface hardness. Coating hardness must be measured on a specially prepared coupon and tested per ASTM E384.

Components coated with Armoloy TDC are 100% safe for workers and end users.  Plated components are used extensively in the food and drug industry, and routinely certified for REACH and RoHS compliance. In addition, Armoloy invests heavily in the newest technology to help ensure the safety of our employees and communities.

XADC is a co-deposit of spherical nanodiamonds and Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome. XADC is useful for many applications and particularly excels as a coating for injection molds where high glass fiber resins are used, or in rotating components where especially low friction is desirable.

Thin Dense Chrome (TDC), sometimes referred to as flash chrome or functional chrome, is an electroplated coating applied to manufacturing applications at a general thickness range of 0.0001” to 0.0002”. Unlike hard chrome, Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome is free of micro cracks which reduces the amount of contact with mating surfaces, significantly reducing friction and prolonging the life of machined components.

Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) can be applied to most ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Thin Dense Chrome is not recommended for aluminum, magnesium, and titanium substrates without an intermediate layer. However, Armoloy’s Bi-Protec® and ALCOAT® are exceptional alternative coating technologies for plating on aluminum substrates and offer unparalleled performance in wear and corrosion protection in the most unforgiving environments.

Armoloy TDC has been successfully used in virtually all industries including aviation, automotive, nuclear power, oil and gas production, injection molding, food and drug manufacturing, and many others. Any component that could benefit from improved wear resistance, corrosion protection, or reduced friction and improved release properties will benefit from the use of Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome.

Yes, Armoloy coatings will conduct electricity.

Yes, Armoloy coatings will conduct electricity.

XADC is a co-deposit of spherical nanodiamonds and Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome. XADC is useful for many applications and particularly excels as a coating for injection molds where high glass fiber resins are used, or in rotating components where especially low friction is desirable.

Plastic deformation is the permanent distortion that occurs when a material experiences stresses. Plastic deformation allows the material to change shape when the applied stress exceeds the yield strength.