How Chrome Accessories Are Made
 '07 HOT WHEELS SUPER CHROMES SERIES CHROME W/FLAMES SCORCHIN' SCOOTER MOTORCYCLE Lowest Price: US $6.50 |
 '07 HOT WHEELS SUPER CHROMES SERIES CHROME W/FLAMES W-Oozie MOTORCYCLE Lowest Price: US $1.99 |
 (2) Smile Face Chrome Motorcycle Tire/Wheel Stem Smiley Valve Caps Dirt Bike Lowest Price: US $.99 |
 E55 chrome motorcycle disc brake wheel lock fit CBR CB GSX YZF ZX ZXR Lowest Price: US $.99 |
 E56 chrome motorcycle disc brake wheel lock fit CBR CB GSX YZF ZX ZXR Lowest Price: US $.99 |
 21x2.15 CHROME CUSTOM FRONT WHEEL 60 SPOKES BILLET HUB RIM FIT HARLEY MOTORCYCLE Lowest Price: US $199.99 |
 05 06 Kawasaki zx6r chrome rim 636 wheel zx6 chrome Motorcycle accessories Lowest Price: US $499.99 |
 01 12 Suzuki GSXR 1000 chrome sprocket 40T 530 GSXR wheel motorcycle accessories Lowest Price: US $99.99 |
 88 92 Suzuki Gsxr 750 chrome sprocket 1100 52T 532 wheel motorcycle accessories Lowest Price: US $99.99 |
 Blue Adhesive Chrome Strips for Motorcycles Wheels 17in Lowest Price: US $5.99 |
 MOTORCYCLE CAR 8mm CHROME TUBELESS TYRE WHEEL VALVE NEW Lowest Price: US $5.93 |
 NEW 6 x 12 MOTORCYCLE ATV EQUIPMENT CAR HAULING MOVING TRAILER CHROME WHEELS Lowest Price: US $1,732.98 |
Article by Allison Savage
"Chrome" is a common abbreviation for the natural chemical element chromium. It is a hard metal that is resistant to corrosion, and is used as one of the components to make stainless steel.
Despite its strength as a metal, materials are seldom made from solid chrome. When something is referred to as being chrome it usually means it is simply plated in a thin layer of the material.
The purpose of plating something in chrome can be practical (to protect it from nicks or rust) or decorative (to add a shiny or flashy appearance). Chrome is popular for both purposes in auto, motorcycle and semi truck accessories.
Applying chrome to an object is achieved through the process of electroplating. This technique uses an electrical current to transfer the properties of one metal onto another. First, the surface of the object must be cleaned to remove all traces of dirt, grease or other contaminants. Then it is smoothed on a buffing wheel until free of any scratched or pits. Next it is coated in copper to ensure adhesion. Finally it is dipped into the chrome vat to apply either a fine layer for decorative chrome or a thicker layer for hard chrome.
For decorative chrome, nickel is also electroplated onto the object before the chrome itself. It is this element that provides the smooth and reflective appearance. In fact, most of what people like about the look of chrome is actually provided by the nickel. Although it seems tough, chrome is not exceedingly durable. It can peel, flake or tarnish and should be cared for with gentle cleaning and polishing.
Chrome trimmings can improve the "wow factor" of any vehicle. Hub caps, rims and bumpers are perhaps the most commonly seen accessories, but virtually any car or truck part can be chrome plated. Interior options include dash panels, door handles and window cranks. Exterior touches can be added to grills, mufflers and exhaust pipes. Even parts of the engine can be chrome plated.
About the Author
45 Chrome Shop specializes in custom semi truck accessories and parts for any size, make or model vehicle. The author if the article, Allison Savage, is a freelance writer.
Latest News:
More Motorcycle Chrome Wheels Articles Possibly related pages:
