Oil and Gas Coatings

Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome (TDC®) achieves a surface hardness of 72 to 78 Rockwell C (Rc) — significantly higher than standard hard chrome, which typically falls between 68 and 72 Rc. This exceptional hardness is due to TDC’s dense, microcrack-free structure, which enhances wear resistance and surface integrity.

Because TDC is applied in extremely thin layers (typically 0.0001″–0.0005″), direct hardness measurements on coated components reflect a combination of the coating and the base material. To accurately measure coating hardness, TDC must be applied to a specially prepared metal coupon and tested using microhardness methods such as ASTM E384 (Vickers test).

This high surface hardness, paired with low friction and corrosion resistance, makes Armoloy ideal for precision tooling, bearings, valves, and linear motion systems operating under extreme wear conditions.

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.

Decorative chrome is primarily used for appearance and corrosion resistance. It’s a multilayer coating, typically consisting of copper, nickel, and a very thin layer of chrome (under 0.00001″), applied to give surfaces a bright, reflective finish — common in automotive trim or bathroom fixtures.

Hard chrome (also called industrial chrome) is a functional coating applied at thicknesses over 0.002″, sometimes exceeding 0.010″ for wear protection. It has a microcracked surface, which can help with oil retention but may reduce corrosion resistance in some environments.

Thin Dense Chrome (TDC), such as Armoloy TDC, is a refined form of hard chrome applied at much thinner tolerances: typically 0.0001″ to 0.0005″. It features a micronodular structure instead of microcracks, offering better lubricity, wear resistance, and tolerance control. Because of its thinness, TDC can often be applied to precision components without affecting fit or dimensional integrity.

Are Armoloy TDC Coatings Magnetic?

No, Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) coatings are non-magnetic.

This characteristic is especially important in industries where magnetic interference could cause performance issues or safety concerns. Non-magnetic coatings like Armoloy TDC are ideal for:

• Medical Devices: In surgical environments and MRI applications, magnetic materials can interfere with sensitive imaging equipment or pose risks during procedures. Non-magnetic surfaces ensure compatibility with diagnostic tools and reduce the chance of distortion in imaging results.

• Electronics and Semiconductors: Precision instruments and high-frequency devices often require non-magnetic components to avoid electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can degrade signal quality or disrupt functionality.

• Aerospace and Defense: In these industries, non-magnetic materials help prevent navigational and communication disturbances, especially in environments where radar or sensitive magnetic sensors are involved.

In contrast, magnetic coatings may be suitable for industrial applications where magnetic properties are beneficial—for instance, in magnetic clamps, lifting equipment, or sensing mechanisms that rely on ferromagnetic interaction.

Armoloy TDC’s non-magnetic nature, combined with its exceptional wear resistance, corrosion protection, and hardness, makes it a trusted solution for components where both mechanical durability and magnetic neutrality are essential.