ENGINEERED MICROSURFACE TEXTURES FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE
Thin Dense Chrome Coating | Armoloy TDC®
Armoloy Thin Dense Chrome (TDC®) is a metallic, zero valence chromium coating designed to mitigate metal failures, improve performance, and reduce downtime across industries. With multiple Thin Dense Chrome products available for specific applications, Armoloy extends the lifespan of metal components for optimal operational efficiency.
What is Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) Plating?
Thin Dense Chrome (TDC) is an electroplated chromium coating primarily used in manufacturing applications. Typically applied within a thickness range of 0.00005 inches to 0.001 inches (1.27 to 25.4 µm), TDC is characterized by two unique surface textures, micronodular and microcracked. Each generates different types of TDC products with comparable metallic properties, features, and advantages.
What are the Features and Benefits of Thin Dense Chrome?
Metal Failures That Thin Dense Chrome Prevents
Adhesive Wear
Cavitation
Chemical Resistance
Dealloying
Erosion-Corrosion
Fatigue Fracture
Fretting
Galvanic Corrosion
Intergranular Corrosion
Overheating
Pitting Corrosion
Stress Corrosion
Uniform Corrosion
Thin Dense Chrome Plating Performance Characteristics
- Surface hardness up to 78Rc
- 10% – 67% reduction in coefficient of friction
- Corrosion resistance tested to AMS 2438 per ASTM B-117
- Taber Wear Index (TWI) as low as 0.7
- Thermal expansion range of 2.7 – 4.6 (10 ̄6/°F)
- Density of 7.19 g/cm ̄3 at 20°C
- Typical deposit range of .0001 to .0003″ (2.54 to 7.62 µm)
- Effective deposit range of .000050” to .0007” (1.27 to 17.78 µm)
- Withstands temperatures of -400°F to 1600°F (-240°C – 870°C)
- Low processing temperature, <150° F (<65°C)
- Bond strength exceeding 125,000 PSI
- Resistance to broad range of chemicals including acids, bases, and solvents
Thin Dense Chrome vs Hard Chrome
The primary distinctions between TDC and hard chrome lie in the thickness, uniformity and surface texture. TDC is usually applied within a thickness range of 0.000050 to 0.0007 inches, thus mitigating significant dimensional changes or affecting part balance which avoids the need for post machining. In contrast to hard chrome, TDC results in either a nodular or tight cluster microcracked surface texture. Armoloy offers multiple TDC surface textures and co-deposit compositions: Armoloy Nodular TDC, Electrolizing Microcracked TDC, XADC and Bi-Protec.
ADVANTAGES OF TDC OVER HARD CHROME
Thin deposits
No post-machining requirements
Overall less energy to produce
Precise, uniform deposits; no dimensional changes to part
Co-deposits (diamonds, nickel, PTFE)
Lower cost
Faster lead times
Versatility for complex geometries
What are the Main Applications for Thin Dense Chrome Coating?
Wherever industry challenges exist, Armoloy can develop fully tailored metal surface treatment solutions to meet all customer requirements.
Plastic Injection Molding
Through precise, engineered deposits, Armoloy TDC, XADC, and Nyflon 25 add incredible value to plastic injection molding applications, as well as those in the areas of extrusion and thermoforming...
Read MoreMachined Components
From fundamental components such as shafts, gears, and bearings, to the more complex components found in automated lines, packaging machines, and specialized machinery of every type, Armoloy of Illinois can...
Read MoreAutomation + Linear Motion
For over 20 years, Armoloy TDC has been the premier coating for the Linear Motion industry. The Armoloy TDC coating lowers the coefficient of friction of bearing steels, for smoother movement over rolling surfaces...
Read MorePumps And Compressors
For protection against the most common forms of wear including corrosive, abrasive, and erosive wear, consider coating your critical pump, valve and compressor surfaces with a protective Armoloy coating...
Read MoreFood Processing And Packaging
Apply Armoloy TDC and XADC to food-processing and food-packaging equipment and components for the most beneficial combination of wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The Armoloy coatings...
Read MoreOil And Gas Extraction
In the field of oil and gas drilling and extraction, the Armoloy coatings are ideally suited for components operating in corrosive downhole environments. The coatings’ high corrosion and wear resistance...
Read MoreAerospace
Armoloy TDC is an optimal metal surface coating for aerospace components that require improved wear and corrosion resistance, vast functional temperature range, and consistent, even deposits...
Read MoreMedical
Armoloy TDC and Electrolizing are precise, biocompatible, pure, metallic chromium coating for medical, surgical, laboratory and clean room environments. Highly trained coating professionals and strict...
Read MoreNuclear
For over 30 years the Armoloy TDC coating has been applied to variety of nuclear industry devices including fuel cell and reactor core components. The improved wear and corrosion resistance of...
Read MoreMinimize Downtime
Partners seeking to enhance the value of their products and components consistently rely on the Armoloy Corporation for pioneering solutions that mitigate metal failures. With years of collaborative experience spanning various industries and a global presence, our team is uniquely positioned to offer unparalleled service. Armoloy stands ready to create customized solutions wherever challenges arise, ensuring all partner needs are met with precision and expertise.
Why Should You Choose Armoloy TDC®?
The Armoloy Corporation is dedicated to offering comprehensive support for your project, from the initial discovery phase to a successful production launch. Our team can assist you at any stage, whether you’re considering coatings early in the design process or need them in response to product failures encountered in the field.
Research & Development
Our fully equipped R&D plating lab is utilized for test runs, prototyping, and continually developing our plating technologies. Our turnkey approach ensures high-quality outcomes for your project. We also support a range of ASTM and AMS test methods with a NADCAP-certified laboratory.
Process Development
We provide support, from design to product launch, with coating selection, prototyping, testing, PPAP validation, process validation, and plating production on any scale.
Fulfillment
The Armoloy Corporation ensures the development of a repeatable plating process that can be achieved at any of our process fulfillment centers worldwide. We will handle prototyping, process validation, cost engineering, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Does Armoloy TDC® lower internal stress on the part?
Answer: Yes, the high hardness of the coating provides a protective layer, reducing stress on the base metal.
Question 2: What is the bond strength of Armoloy TDC®?
Answer: Bond strength exceeds 125,000 psi and will pass severe bend tests.
Question 3: What is the corrosion resistance equal to?
Answer: The corrosion resistance is equal to 440-grade stainless steel. Armoloy TDC® is 99.9% pure metallic chrome and offers 100% coverage.
Question 4: Can the coating be removed permanently or reapplied after removal without damaging my part?
Answer: The coating can easily be removed or reapplied as needed without adversely affecting the part.
Question 6: Do parts require post-machining or grinding after plating?
Answer: Often, no. Armoloy can plate accurately within .000050 (1.2 Microns).
Question 7: Is Armoloy TDC® different from Flash Chrome or generic TDC?
Answer: Armoloy TDC® is a proprietary chemistry and application process developed over 60 years ago that offers unparalleled performance. “Armoloy-like” thin dense chrome from competitors may imitate, but Armoloy’s formulation and unique processing methods can only be found at Armoloy franchised facilities, ensuring consistent quality.
Armoloy Accreditations and Specifications
The Armoloy Corporation offers accreditation to many different plating and testing specifications, including:
- AMS2438: Plating, chromium thin, hard, dense deposit
- AMS2406 | AMS-QQ-C-320: Chromium plating (electrodeposited)
- AMS2407F: Plating, chromium, porous
- AMS2460: Plating, chromium
- ASTM B578: Standard test method for microhardness of electroplated coatings
- ASTM B650: Standard specification for electrodeposited engineering chromium coatings on ferrous substrates
- ASTM D4060-10: Standard test method for abrasion resistance of organic coatings by the Taber Abraser
- ASTM F519: Hydrogen embrittlement relief
- AS9100D: Quality management in chrome plating for the aerospace sector
- Fisher FFS 2E1: Chromium coating for service to 1100F (593C)
- Honeywell GPS3116-1H: Plating, specialized
- ISO 9001:2015: Globally recognized benchmark for quality management systems
- ISO 10993-1: Ensuring biological safety in chrome plating for medical devices
- ISO 14001:2015: Championing environmental excellence in chrome plating
- ISO 19011: Guiding audits in chrome plating excellence
- MIL-DTL-23422: Military specification, chromium plating, electrodeposited
- NADCAP: Setting the gold standard in aerospace chrome plating
- NAMSA: Upholding chrome plating standards for medical research and safety
- Process Specification No. 180: Nodular thin dense chromium (NTDC) Plating
- REACH Compliance: Elevating chrome plating through responsible chemical management
- RoHS Compliance: Eco-safe chrome plating for electrical and electronic equipment
- Toxikon: Biocompatibility and safety in chrome plating for medical applications
- WEEE Compliance: Leading the charge in sustainable chrome plating for electronics
These accreditations highlight Armoloy’s commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and adherence to industry regulations across various sectors.
ARMOLOY FAMILY OF METALLIC COATINGS
A SOLUTION FOR EVERY APPLICATION
Armoloy TDC is an excellent candidate for application to nearly every industrial steel, from tool steels such as S-7 H-13
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With hardness measurements exceeding 90 Rc, XADC can be applied to nearly every common manufacturing...
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Nyflon is a co-deposit of electroless nickel and PTFE (Teflon©). Unlike competing electroless nickel/ PTFE coatings...
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Bi-Protec is a two-step process that combines electroless nickel with an overlay of Armoloy TDC or XADC...
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The Electrolizing® coating technology was developed in 1945 in Providence, RI. For over 75 years, Electrolizing has consistently...
Learn MoreComprehensive Solutions for Your Project
From research and development to fulfillment, our dedicated engineers develop solutions grounded in science to prevent metal failure and improve performance. Discover what Armoloy can do for your industry.
