Chrome plated roller is widely used in printing, textile, papermaking and other fields in industry. Its main function is to improve the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the equipment and maintain the smoothness of the roller surface. Chrome plating is generally known for its high hardness and excellent corrosion resistance. However, although the chrome plating layer protects the roller surface from erosion by the external environment to a large extent, people still often ask: "Will industrial chrome plated rollers rust?"

This article will delve into the issue of whether chrome plated rollers will rust, analyze the causes of rust, and how to prevent corrosion of industrial chrome plated rollers.

What are the basic properties of chrome plating?

Before answering this question, we need to understand the characteristics of the chromium plating layer.

Corrosion resistance

The chromium plating layer has good corrosion resistance because of its high density and difficulty in combining with oxygen molecules in the air. This is why chrome plated rollers remain corrosion-resistant for long periods of time when used in harsh industrial environments. The chromium plating layer itself is not easily oxidized, which means that its surface is not prone to rust.

High hardness

The hardness of the chromium plating layer is usually 800 to 1000HV (Vickers hardness), which is much higher than ordinary steel. This high hardness allows the chrome plated roller to withstand high-intensity friction and pressure, thereby extending its service life.

surface smoothness

The surface of the chromium plating layer has high smoothness and low surface friction coefficient. This feature further reduces wear caused by friction during operation of the industrial rollers, thereby delaying the possibility of rust.

Why does chrome plated roller rust?

Although the chrome plated layer has excellent corrosion resistance, industrial chrome plated rollers may still rust under certain conditions. The following factors may cause the chrome plated roller to rust:

Damage to the chrome plating

The chrome plating may be damaged for various reasons during normal operation. If the chrome plating cracks, scratches, or peels off due to friction, impact, or chemical attack, the underlying metal (usually steel) will be exposed to air and moisture. At this time, the underlying steel is easily corroded and rusts. After the chromium plating layer is damaged, it cannot effectively isolate the moisture and oxygen in the air, and the rusting process will accelerate.

Uneven coating or pores

During the electroplating process, if not performed properly, the chromium plating layer may have problems such as uneven thickness, local plating being too thin, or micro pores on the surface. These weak areas can easily become the starting point of corrosion, especially in humid or chemically corrosive environments. Moisture or chemicals in the air may invade the substrate through these tiny pores, causing rust.

Environmental factors

Although the chromium plating layer can protect against corrosion well in normal industrial environments, in some extreme environments, corrosive substances (such as acidic gases, salt water or strong oxidants) may attack the chromium plating layer. If an industrial chrome plated roller is exposed to an environment containing corrosive gases (such as sulfides, chlorides) for a long time, or is often in contact with corrosive chemicals, the protective effect of the chrome plated layer may be weakened, causing rust.

Improper care and maintenance

Improper maintenance or long-term lack of maintenance may accelerate the aging and damage of the chrome plated roller, leading to rust. For example, if an industrial chrome plated roller is not cleaned in time after use, the remaining moisture, chemicals or oil may gradually corrode the chrome layer, which is more corrosive especially when the ambient humidity is high or industrial exhaust gas is heavy. .

How to prevent chrome plated roller from rusting?

In order to avoid industrial chrome plated rollers from rusting, a series of preventive measures must be taken to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the chrome plating layer.

Ensure uniformity and quality of chrome plating

In the chromium plating process, it is crucial to ensure the uniformity of the chromium plating layer. The use of advanced electroplating technology and equipment can reduce the occurrence of porosity and unevenness in the coating and improve the protective performance of the coating. After chromium plating, professional equipment can be used to test the thickness and quality of the chromium plating layer to ensure that it meets standards.

Avoid mechanical damage

During daily use, mechanical damage to the surface of industrial chrome plated rollers must be avoided. For example, avoid hitting or scratching the chrome surface during installation or removal. In addition, in actual operation, reasonable lubrication measures should be taken to reduce wear on the roller surface.

Regular cleaning and maintenance

Regularly cleaning the surface of industrial chrome plated rollers to remove accumulated dust, dirt and oil can effectively reduce the possibility of corrosion. During the cleaning process, avoid using corrosive cleaners or acidic chemicals, and choose suitable cleaning agents and antiseptics to maintain the chrome plating.

protective measures

If the chrome plated roller needs to work in a highly corrosive environment, its corrosion resistance can be enhanced through external protection methods. For example, when not in use, apply a layer of anti-rust oil to the chrome plated roller or use a protective cover to protect it from the influence of the external environment. In addition, dehumidification equipment can be installed in the work environment to reduce the humidity in the air, thus reducing the risk of rust.

Repair chrome plating

If the chrome plating is found to be damaged or worn, it should be repaired in time. The integrity of the chromium plating can be restored through replating or other surface treatment methods. The repaired chrome layer will continue to protect against corrosion and wear.

How long is the service life of a chrome plated roller?

The service life of chrome plated roller is closely related to the quality of its coating, working environment and maintenance. Under good usage conditions and proper maintenance, ceramic anilox rollers can be used for 3 to 5 years without obvious rust. However, if exposed to harsh environments for a long time or lack of correct maintenance, the coating of the chrome plated roller may gradually fail, resulting in rust on the roller surface.

Therefore, extending the service life of chrome plated rollers not only depends on the chrome plating process itself, but also needs to be combined with daily maintenance and proper operation methods.