Thin Dense Chrome

No — US Chrome and Armoloy are not the same. While both companies offer chrome plating services, Armoloy specializes in proprietary Thin Dense Chrome (TDC®) coatings with distinctive nodular surface structures engineered for high wear resistance, reduced friction, and tight tolerance control.

Key differences include:

• Proprietary Coatings: Armoloy offers both TDC® and Electrolizing®, the original microcracked Thin Dense Chrome that helped define the category. These coatings are licensed and applied under strict process controls.
• Surface Microstructure: Armoloy TDC® is nodular, offering enhanced lubrication retention and performance in dry or low-lube environments — unlike conventional hard chrome or general TDC services offered by competitors.
• Industry Heritage: Armoloy pioneered and influenced many of today’s functional chrome plating standards used in aerospace, medical, food processing, and precision engineering.

While US Chrome is a recognized chrome plating provider, Armoloy coatings are engineered, specified, and applied differently, delivering unique metallurgical and performance advantages.

Yes, Armoloy coatings are widely used in both the food processing and medical device industries due to their FDA compliance, USDA acceptance, and strong anti-galling, non-porous, and corrosion-resistant properties.

In food environments, Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) provides a hard, chemically inert surface that resists acidic cleaners and prevents metal leaching — making it ideal for use on slicers, conveyors, and filling equipment.

In the medical industry, biocompatible variations such as Armoloy ME-92 and BIO-TDC meet ISO 10993 standards and are applied to surgical tools, sterilization trays, and components requiring both durability and compatibility with sterilization processes.

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.

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.