Chrome plated articles of variable surface appearance

Abstract

A process for applying patterning across the surface of a chrome plated article. The process uses electroplated layers of nickel and chromium in combination with controlled and selectively applied dimpling treatment of coated layers to impart patterns of predefined differential reflectivity across the final surface while nonetheless retaining corrosion resistance.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This patent application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 886,170, filed Jan. 23, 2007, in the name of Richard Lee Macary, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to chrome plating and, more particularly, to the production of articles using selective combinations of surface texturizing and electroplating to produce variable surface appearances of predefined character while nonetheless maintaining substantial corrosion resistance.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Electroplating is used to apply one or more layers of metal across a surface of a pre-formed part. The applied layers may provide aesthetic enhancement and / or corrosion resistance to the underlying substrate. The ability of an electroplated coating to protect an underlying metal substrate is dependent upon a number of factors. These...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a process using electroplated layers of nickel and chromium in combination with controlled and selectively applied shot-peening or other dimpling treatment of coated layers to impart predefined differential reflectivity across the final surface while nonetheless retaining corrosion resistance.

Problems solved by technology

However, in the performance of this function, the over-coated layers are exposed to the corrosive agent.

It is well known that in the event of surface irregularities such a pits or the like, there may be a tendency for coated parts to experience concentrated and accelerated corrosion at the location of such irregularities.

Such accelerated corrosion may be particularly aggressive in environments where salt or other sources of chlorine are present.

However, as they proceed, the oxygen available to carry out the second reaction may become depleted within the pit after a relatively short period of time such that the oxygen reduction reaction can no longer take place at that location.

This results in a localized increased concentration of metal chloride at the location of the pit.

The development of such pitting corrosion within a chrome-plated article may lead to the rapid and substantially irreversible degradation of appearance.

This may give rise to the undesirable situation in which the metal oxidation for the entire system is preferentially concentrated at zones where there is already some diminished corrosion resistance.

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