Difference between black chrome plating and blackening

27 Mar.,2025

The main differences between black chrome plating and blackening are their process principles, application areas, performance characteristics and final results.

 

Author: Anna

 

The main differences between black chrome plating and blackening are their process principles, application areas, performance characteristics and final results.

 

Process principle:

Black chrome plating is an electroplating process, which is realized by covering the surface of the workpiece with a black plating layer consisting of chromium and its oxides. This coating is not pure chromium metal, but amorphous oxide crystals, the main components of which include chromium and chromium oxides. 
Blacking, on the other hand, is a heat treatment process that improves the rust resistance of steel parts by oxidizing the metal surface to form a dense protective layer of oxide film. 

 

Areas of application:

 

Black chromium plating is widely used in cameras, optical instruments, weapons, and solar collectors because of its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and selective absorption of solar energy. 
Blackening treatment, on the other hand, is commonly used in the fields of decoration, instrumentation and mechanical equipment, especially when the appearance is not required.

 

Performance characteristics:
The hardness of black chromium plating layer is low, but its abrasion and corrosion resistance is similar to that of general chromium plating layer, and it has good light reflection. 
The oxide film protective layer formed by the blackening treatment also improves rust resistance, but its relatively low hardness and light reflectivity make it more suitable for applications where aesthetics are not required. 

 

Final effect:
The end result of black chrome plating is a dignified and elegant black coating that is suitable for applications requiring high corrosion protection and aesthetics.
The main purpose of the blackening process is to improve the metal's rust resistance by forming an oxide film, and the black effect is more to meet the basic protection needs.

 

To summarize, although black chrome plating and blackening both form a black cover layer in the final effect, there are significant differences in their process principles, application areas, performance characteristics and final purpose, which are applicable to different industrial needs and aesthetic requirements.