Chrome PVD Coating as an Alternative to Chrome Plating - VaporTech

• Chromium PVD coatings deliver hardness, wear resistance, and abrasion resistance that are equivalent to or better than those of chrome electroplating.

• Color match: VaporTech® PVD chrome is durable, wear-resistant, and virtually identical in color to traditional chrome.

• Testing confirms VaporTech chromium PVD's advantages over chrome electroplating.

Chrome PVD finishes match the color of traditional chrome plating and improve performance.

Pure chromium durable/decorative PVD color coatings

Chromium’s mirror finish will never go out of style.  Manufacturers use PVD chrome coating because it provides a hard, corrosion‑resistant finish with the premium metallic look consumers expect. The PVD chrome coating process deposits a durable, decorative, pure chromium coating visually identical to plated chrome. It provides a simple, reliable coating alternative that is beautiful, durable, and safe.

Industrial products get enhanced function and performance with chromium-based coatings

ChromeNitride (CrN) coating gives manufacturers a significant performance advantage by delivering exceptional hardness and toughness. Its low-friction surface reduces wear from sliding or impact, while its strong resistance to corrosion and oxidation helps extend product life. CrN’s natural non-stick properties also improve efficiency in manufacturing processes and enhance the reliability of finished parts.

PVD coating vs. electroplating

To develop the best chrome alternative process for the industry, we conducted experiments comparing our VaporTech® chromium PVD coating to chrome electroplating. A range of coated sample steel plates was evaluated after exposure to the same elemental profiling. These samples differed in chrome application (hexavalent chrome electroplating vs. VaporTech PVD) and their nickel undercoats. Some PVD samples received a base layer of pure chromium (Cr), while others received a chromium nitride (CrN) base layer at the beginning of the deposition run. Our findings:

• Color is virtually identical.
• Equivalent hardness to chrome (1,000 Vickers) with options to further improve surface hardness (up to 2,200 Vickers).
• Equivalent or better abrasion resistance.
• Custom coatings can be designed to meet specific hardness, durability, and corrosion resistance specifications.
• A harder chromium nitride base layer can achieve 30%+ improvement in wear resistance (see chart).

How does chromium PVD coating work?

People familiar with the plating process may not be familiar with the work necessary to use a PVD coating machine, but it’s not a complicated process:

1. Stage your parts for coating.
2. Send the parts through a cleaning process to remove any oils or debris.
3. Dry the parts to remove any liquid.
4. Load the parts onto racks.
5. Load the racks into the chamber.
6. 6. Select the custom chromium surface coating recipe from the touch screen.
7. Close the chamber door and push the “Start” button.
8. Receive notification that the finishing process is complete.
9. Remove parts, inspect, and send to finished goods or final assembly.
10. Open the (chamber) door to other functional, durable, and colorful coatings.

With a PVD coating system in place, you've selected a more environmentally friendly option and added the capability to deposit a variety of decorative and functional finishes for a broad range of parts and products. Vapor Technologies, Inc. manufactures PVD, PECVD (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition), and DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating systems, and you can use the same machine for multiple coating types.

About VaporTech

VaporTech is a leading manufacturer of thin‑film PVD and PE-CVD coating systems that help companies enhance the durability, appearance, and performance of their products. Based in Longmont, Colorado, VaporTech has spentmore than 30 years engineering advanced coating equipment used acrossindustries—from home hardware and consumer electronics to automotive andmedical devices. Our products are supported by global service, technical expertise, and the strength of the Masco family of brands.