Spokane Chrome Plating For Aerospace

What Is Aerospace Chrome Plating?

Aerospace chrome plating is a precise electroplating process in which a thin layer of chromium is deposited onto metal components used in aircraft, spacecraft, and defense applications. Unlike decorative chrome commonly seen in automotive or consumer goods, aerospace chrome plating is engineered to meet strict technical specifications, prioritizing performance, longevity, and reliability. The process begins with rigorous surface preparation to ensure the base metal is free of contaminants, followed by the controlled application of chromium through an electrolytic bath. 

Why Choose Valence For Aerospace Chrome Plating In Spokane

We understand that aerospace manufacturers rely on precision, consistency, and compliance in every surface finishing process. Choosing the right chrome plating partner in Spokane can make the difference between meeting mission-critical performance standards and falling short. Here’s why leading aerospace and defense organizations trust Valence:

Proven Aerospace Expertise

With decades of experience in finishing high-performance aerospace components, our Spokane facility ensures every part meets stringent industry certifications and quality benchmarks.

Comprehensive Process Integration

We offer a fully integrated chrome plating and finishing workflow, streamlining your supply chain while enhancing efficiency, traceability, and consistency from start to finish.

Advanced Quality and Compliance

We guarantee compliance with aerospace and defense requirements through rigorous inspection, NADCAP accreditation, and detailed process control, reducing risk and ensuring reliability.

Unmatched Scalability

Our facility can handle high-volume production and complex geometries without compromising precision or turnaround time, supporting programs of any scale.

Technical Support & Collaboration

At every stage, Valence engineers collaborate closely with your team to provide expert guidance, technical solutions, and innovation tailored to your project’s specific performance needs.

Aerospace Chrome Plating Techniques And Technologies

At Valence Surface Technologies, precision and innovation drive every aspect of our aerospace chrome plating in Spokane. Our advanced, tightly controlled processes meet demanding aerospace, defense, and industrial standards, delivering superior hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear protection for parts of any scale. Each project, from prototypes to production, receives meticulous attention to ensure flawless finishes and lasting performance.

Learn more about our approach to custom chrome.

Commitment To Green Processes In Spokane

At Valence, environmental responsibility is an integral part of our operations. Our Spokane facility employs sustainable, compliance-driven practices at every stage, including:

• Reducing waste through advanced bath management and filtration
• Meeting stringent environmental and regulatory standards
• Applying eco-conscious technologies without compromising aerospace-grade performance

As the aerospace and defense sectors emphasize sustainability, Valence Spokane leads the way with chrome plating solutions that align performance with environmental goals. This forward-focused approach cements our role as a trusted partner in precision surface finishing for the future of flight.

Types Of Metals Suitable For Aerospace Chrome Plating

Chrome plating can be applied to various metals to improve wear resistance, hardness, corrosion protection, and surface performance. If you’re curious about the different plating processes beyond chrome, you can learn more about the types of metal plating used across industries.

Common Metals We Plate:

• Steel & Stainless Steel: Ideal for aerospace structures, hydraulic components, and high-strength applications where durability is critical.
• Aluminum Alloys: Lightweight parts needing enhanced wear resistance, corrosion protection, and dimensional stability.
• Copper & Copper Alloys: Frequently used for electrical components and thermal applications where conductivity is essential.
• Nickel Alloys: High-performance materials used in extreme temperature or chemically aggressive environments.
• Brass & Bronze: Specialty aerospace and industrial parts require mechanical resilience and an appealing finish.

Every chrome plating job at Valence is performed under NADCAP-accredited conditions, meeting or exceeding AMS, MIL, and OEM specifications for adhesion, thickness, and performance.

Applications And Industries Utilizing Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is a critical finishing process that provides enhanced durability, corrosion resistance, and precise surface characteristics necessary for demanding environments. Its use spans across various sectors, where reliable performance is non-negotiable.

Aerospace Components

Engine parts, landing gear, and hydraulic systems all rely on chrome plating to withstand extreme operating conditions, minimize wear, and extend service intervals.

Defense Systems

Military hardware such as firearms, armored vehicle components, and aircraft assemblies utilize chrome plating for increased hardness and resistance to friction.

Space Exploration

Structural and propulsion elements in space vehicles benefit from chrome plating’s capacity to endure vacuum environments and temperature fluctuations.

Commercial Aviation

Passenger aircraft employ chrome plating for control actuators, bearings, and other high-stress parts needing precise tolerance and long-term dependability.

Industrial Equipment

Heavy machinery, pumps, and tools gain from chrome plating’s robust protective layer, reducing maintenance frequency and downtimes.

Benefits Of Aerospace Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is a critical surface treatment for aerospace components. Its advanced properties help manufacturers meet the demanding requirements of the aviation, defense, and space sectors.

Enhanced Wear Resistance

Chrome plating significantly reduces component wear by providing a durable, hard surface. This extends the operational lifespan of high-stress parts, notably landing gear, actuators, and engine components.

Corrosion Protection

Aerospace chrome plating forms a robust barrier against corrosion. This is essential for components exposed to harsh operating environments, protecting them from oxidation and chemical attack.

Improved Surface Finishes

The plating process achieves exceptionally smooth, low-friction surfaces. This reduces operational drag and supports optimal component performance even at high speeds and loads.

Dimensional Restoration

Chrome plating can restore worn parts to original specifications by building up precise thicknesses. This allows for the reuse of critical components, minimizing replacement costs and downtime.

Heat Resistance

The plated layer retains its structural integrity under high temperatures, which is vital for aircraft parts exposed to extreme thermal conditions during operation.

Valence Pricing Information For Chrome Plating In Spokane

We provide transparent, aerospace-grade pricing for chrome plating services in Spokane, designed to align with technical requirements and production goals. Understanding the factors influencing cost helps clients plan efficiently while ensuring compliance and quality remain uncompromised.

Factors Influencing Chrome Plating Costs

• Component Size & Complexity: Larger parts or intricate geometries require additional preparation, handling, and process control.
• Plating Thickness Requirements: Aerospace programs often demand precise thickness tolerances, which impact material use and processing time.
• Batch Volume: High-volume or recurring orders benefit from economies of scale, while smaller or specialized batches may include setup or customization costs.
• Post-Plating Testing: Quality verification through non-destructive testing, inspection, and certification contributes to final pricing but ensures full aerospace compliance.

Typical Turnaround Times & Rush Options

• Standard Lead Times: Depending on complexity and volume, most projects are completed within 2–4 weeks.
• Expedited Processing: Accelerated scheduling is available for urgent aerospace or defense needs, with additional rush fees as applicable.

Custom Quotes & Technical Review

Our quoting process is transparent and data-driven. Clients provide part drawings, specifications, and volume details, and our engineers conduct a consultative review to ensure cost efficiency and full regulatory compliance. 

Exploring Valence Surface Technologies’ Locations

Valence Surface Technologies operates a nationwide network of facilities, strategically positioned to deliver top-quality surface treatments for the aerospace and defense industries. Here’s a snapshot of the regions we serve and key services offered:

Eastern Region

Facilities in Eastman, GA; Grove, OK; Blairsville, PA; West Springfield, MA; and Wichita, KS deliver a full range of treatments, including:

• Nondestructive Testing (NDT) – Detecting material defects before operation.
• Anodizing – Corrosion-resistant finishes for aluminum parts.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – Protective, performance-driven finishes.
• Shot Peening – Enhancing fatigue life with compressive surface stress.
• Bond Primer – Ensuring long-lasting topcoat adhesion.

All facilities are equipped to handle parts from small components to over 20 feet long and meet rigorous aerospace and defense quality standards.

Northwest Region

Located in Seattle and Everett, WA, serving the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada with capabilities including:

• NDT – Ensuring structural integrity of mission-critical parts.
• Anodizing – Extending component lifespan through corrosion resistance.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – Weather-resistant and visually refined finishes.
• Shot Peening – Boosting fatigue resistance for high-stress parts.
• Bond Primer – Maximizing durability of painted finishes.

These facilities can handle parts up to 30 feet and serve various aerospace and defense needs.

Southwest Region

Our Los Angeles, CA facility supports California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah with services including:

• NDT – Meeting strict aerospace safety and reliability standards.
• Anodizing – Protective coatings for metals in harsh environments.
• Plating – Corrosion, wear resistance, and improved conductivity.
• Paint/Spray Coatings – High-performance and aesthetic finishes.
• Shot Peening – Extending service life of critical aircraft parts.
• Bond Primer – Strengthening topcoat adhesion.

With a capacity for parts up to 25 feet long, we offer advanced coatings, testing, and surface treatments for projects of all sizes.

Contact Valence Surface Technologies Today

For aerospace and defense manufacturers, precision surface finishing demands expertise, reliability, and seamless communication. At Valence Spokane, our experience in chrome plating for aerospace ensures every component meets the industry’s highest standards for quality and compliance.

From project planning to delivery, we emphasize clarity, traceability, and responsiveness, reducing risk and minimizing downtime. Our team delivers tailored chrome plating solutions for complex geometries, tight schedules, and mission-critical applications, supported by strict quality assurance and certification standards.

Contact us today to discuss your chrome plating requirements and experience precision, speed, and reliability built for aerospace excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spokane Chrome Plating For Aerospace

What standards govern aerospace chrome plating in Spokane?

Aerospace chrome plating in Spokane must comply with strict industry standards such as AMS 2406, MIL-C-26074, and NADCAP accreditation for processing. We meet or exceed these requirements at Valence to ensure reliable performance and flight safety.

How thick is the typical chrome plating layer for aerospace parts?

The typical chrome plating thickness for aerospace components ranges from 0.0002 to 0.002 inches, depending on part specifications and end-use requirements.

What is the turnaround time for aerospace chrome plating in Spokane?

Turnaround time varies based on part complexity and volume, but clients can expect streamlined service. Valence specializes in integrated solutions that minimize lead times while maintaining aerospace quality.

Can chrome-plated aerospace parts be repaired or replated in Spokane?

Yes, damaged or worn chrome-plated parts can usually be stripped, repaired, and replated to restore them to precise specifications, subject to inspection and part condition.

What are the environmental regulations for chrome plating in Spokane?

Chrome plating operations in Spokane are governed by state and federal EPA regulations, including strict air and water quality controls. Valence invests in cutting-edge environmental management systems to meet or exceed all regulatory requirements.

Does Spokane offer both decorative and industrial chrome plating for aerospace?

Yes. At Valence Spokane, we provide industrial chrome plating engineered explicitly for aerospace and defense applications. While decorative chrome is not our focus, our industrial-grade plating delivers exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection, meeting the rigorous performance and compliance standards required for flight-critical components.