Quote:
Originally Posted by pavulon
Starting in 1973 Formula One rules forbid chrome plating of steel suspension parts. The electroplating
process had been proven to substantially worsen a phenomena known as hydrogen embrittlement.
Hydrogen atoms are diffused throughout all steel alloys, and various manufacturing processes can
cause them to migrate, become concentrated, and build-up in in pressure to the point where cracks
start from within. Since the problem is worse with chrome plating than other finishing operations
(including nickel plating), Formula One rules singled chrome plating out. |
Interesting point since I literally had this same conversation with Chuck at Elephant Racing and the Zinc plating process. This also apparently was the major screw up with the new SF Bay Bridge million dollar problem and fix. The plated hardware was fracturing under load due to the embrittlement caused by the plating process. I have been told that post baking immediately following the plating process corrects this issue.
Not really sure since I'm not a metallurgist.
