Electroplated composites consist of a plated metal matrix with one or more other materials uniformly dispersed throughout it. These coatings are applied in a single plating bath and any material that can be plated with other metals can be plated with composites.

Composites combine the properties of two or more separate materials synergistically to produce new materials with properties superior to any of the components. A familiar example is concrete which is a composite of Portland cement, sand and gravel.

Our electrodeposited composites are principally nickel and silicon carbide in which the nickel is the matrix analogous to the Portland cement in concrete while the silicon carbide can be compared to the sand and gravel. With any of our composites a very small amount of a laminar lubricant such as boron nitride or graphite can be added to improve the frictional properties.

Occasionally technical people will express concern over the fact that silicon carbide is also an abrasive. An extremely hard material, its function is to greatly increase the wear resistance of the coating. IT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ABRASIVE in our composites because of its minute particle size which averages three microns.

All surface finishes possible with other metals and ceramics are possible with these composites.

In sliding wear applications, under a wide range of loads, U.S. Chrome's NiCom wears up to ten times the same thickness of chromium. This is its most outstanding property, but it also has good frictional characteristics, in part due to its superior wettability compared with chromium or electroless nickel. It is very easy to maintain hydrodynamic lubrication conditions because of the oleophyllic nature of the coating. This accounts for its very extensive use abroad in internal combustion engine cylinders and hydraulic equipment. Additionally, it has excellent corrosion resistance and its upper operating temperature is greater than chromium or electroless nickel. Prolonged exposure to 1200 F (540 C) does not result in significant loss of its physical properties.

Our unique honing process uses a double diamond plateau technique that symmetrically sizes the bore. The finished surface allows for superior oil retention due to the oleophyllic nature of the silicon carbide in the NiCom coating. The repaired part is then thoroughly inspected before being returned to the customer.

U.S. Chrome has more than twenty years of experience with Nickel-Carbide composites. Our principal contribution lies in our proprietary technology that enables us to apply the coating as easily as ordinary nickel plating using standard equipment to produce thicknesses up to 0.025". As a practical matter, electroless nickel composites are limited to coatings of 0.001" (25.4microns) or less.

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