Since the 1920's, electroplated hard chrome has been used as an economical and functional repair for many types of worn and damaged parts. Today, although challenged by new technologies, hard chrome continues to be the most effective and economical material to repair parts subjected to extreme forces. Chromium Corporation has been an important player in the evolution of electroplated hard chrome. Methods and practices developed by Chromium Corporation in the 1920's continue to be used today and are fundamental to the success of electroplated hard chromium.

1920's: Chromium Corporation is instrumental in the development of the process of electroplating chromium metal to another metal surface and becomes the first commercial source of chromium electroplating in North America. Using electric current, chromium molecules bond with the molecules of the original surface, creating a bond between the metals so hard it will remain intact even when subjected to extreme force. Electroplating soon becomes a standard requirement for engine and machinery parts subjected to high loads, corrosion and wear by friction.

1930's: Chromium Corporation trademarks its CRODON plate. With continuing process development, the CRODON brand name remains the recognized leader in hard chrome plating.

1940's: Plating production turns to the war effort where hard chromium plays an important role by saving America's valuable metal resources. Working with all branches of the military, Chromium Corporation develops plating processes that put new life into many types of engine components. It is here that the first engine cylinders are restored using electroplated hard chromium.

1960's - 1970's: New federal engine emission standards require OEMs to make improvements to reduce the amount of lube oil consumed by diesel engines. Development of new finishing techniques at Chromium Corporation produces increasingly smooth engine cylinder bores that significantly reduce oil consumption and extend engine service life between rebuilds. These improvements are applied to engines in the rail, gas transmission, marine, and stationary power industries. Hard chrome finishes are developed to meet the specific requirements of individual types of OEM reciprocating engines.

1980's: Chromium Corporation introduces two new products which combine to increase power assembly life as much as 30% to 50% -- the SUPOR® (Spiral Uniform Porosity Oil Retention) spiral matte finish and HURG® (Hardened Upper Ring Groove) pistons. The SUPOR® finish outperforms other finishes in reduced oil consumption, resistance to abrasive wear, ring seating and controlled percent of load bearing surface and porosity. HURG® pistons are the only remanufactured pistons with an induction hardened upper ring groove which eliminates excessive ring land wear.

1990's - 2000's: Chromium Corporation remains the leader in the field of plating and finishing reciprocating engine components while providing expanded services to its customers. Continuous market research and product development bring new product and service offerings to customers. New offerings include the GE/EB cylinder liner, GE & EMD valve restoration, the MicroProfileTM plateau hone finish, the Wear CoupleTM family of co-engineered ring/liner combinations, and the ThermoChrome® piston crown. Compliance with federal environmental standards and upgrades to and expansion of production capability ensure Chromium's commitment and ability to meet and exceed their customer's requirements in the 21st century.

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