Chrome Plated Ball Races

[sreid]

We are going to use some ball bearing linear shaft bushings in an application. Because of a long term corrosion potential the salesman has suggested shafting with hard chrome plating. I always thought that chrome steel balls running on chrome plating was not a good idea; flaking of the chrome due to ball contact pressure. I'm I just dreamimg this?

 

[unclesyd]

Was he talking shaft and balls? A case hardened chrome plated shaft in common. I don't think I've seen chrome plated rolling elements.

 

[diamondjim]

I have seen chrome plating on roller surfaces
but not on ball races. I think your concern
is on the money.

 

[sreid]

Sorry, specifically, 52100 ball bearings riding on chrome plated case hardened steel shafting.

 

[unclesyd]

Chrome plated shafts are normal, though you can get shafts from 440C SS. We stuck with the Case 60 chrome plated on our machines.

http://www.thomsonind.com/Sections/Products/products_main.asp?PC=2000000&GI=1

 

[sreid]

unclesyd,

Thanks.

sreid

 

[Hippo41]

You should never use chrome plated shafting in a linear rolling bearing application - the rolling stresses will simply pick up the chrome and ruin your bearings. Waste of money, but good for sales.

There are corrosion resistant products from the major manufacturers (THK, Rexroth/ Deutsche Star/ Thomson) as well as fully stainless steel products - let alone the new plastic slide systems (Pacific / IGUS) to name a few.

Hope this isn't too late to help.

Lester Milton
Telford, Shropshire, UK

 

[sreid]

Hippo41,

I had the same response you did I when I first heard this proposal. Years ago I saw the problem you describe when chrome plated shafting was tried.

It now appears that the combination of case hardened shafting and thin dense chrome has solved the problem.

 

[unclesyd]

We have at least a couple of miles of Thomson Industries products running 24/7/365 without any problem.
This equipment was probably some of the first to use this particular shafting.

Chrome plating for industrial purposes has been and probably still is misused for a lack of understand of the nature of same.
Aside from the misuse of different types of plating there seems to be a lack of knowledge in the application of industrial hard chrome. Being, IHC takes on the properties of the base metal until the thickness exceeds 0.011". We like 0.015" if possible.

 

[Hippo41]

Interesting - I stand corrected. Thanks!

Lester Milton
Telford, Shropshire, UK

 

[brgguy22]

Chromalloy or similar processes are another option.