Chrome plating, often referred to simply as chrome wheels , is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The chromed layer is not only decorative, but can provide ease in cleaning. Most wheels today are cast aluminum wheels. Aluminum is a very active metal and is difficult to plate for electrochemical reasons. Before the chromium is applied the first step of the chrome process is to apply nickel to the surface. The nickel is the material that actually gives the wheel its color. The chromium simply protects the nickel from tarnishing. Because aluminum is so difficult to plate, manufactures only warrant chrome wheels against plating for one to two years. They are not warranted against pitting. Therefore manufacturers have been looking for a better way to get the look of chrome on an aluminum wheel with better results for a long lasting finish. PVD chrome wheels were the answer. Below is a description of the PVD process which some manufactur...
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