Decorative nickel-chromium electroplated surfaces with patterned finishes

Summary

Decorative nickel-chromium plated surfaces with patterned finishes can be produced using a process which selectively applies the patterning, in the form of a satin texture, to the chromium plated surface by peening with a slurry of glass beads in water. The equipment and techniques needed to ensure successful results in production are described. The results of accelerated corrosion testing and outdoor exposure tests show that the process has no adverse effect on the corrosion resistance of the plated finish. Metallographic examination of the chromium plated surface, after peening, shows the deformation and change in topography, which gives a more diffuse scattering of reflected light, resulting in a lustrous, satin finish. The deformation also introduces a fine crack pattern into the chromium plated layer.