Hard chrome has heavy coatings applied in ferrous and non ferrous materials to improve wear resistance, lubricity, oil retention and other wear purposes. It improves the performance of hydraulic cylinder rods, rollers, piston rings, mold surfaces, thread guides; gun bores, brake discs, machinery parts, motor shafts, medical devices, gears, firearm components, auto engine, drive train, suspension parts.

Hard chrome plating is applied in hardened steel and has a metallic appearance. Most customers will not go to a hard chrome plating shop as it specializes only in a particular area. It is also called as engineering chrome or industrial chrome. It is used in various industries like aerospace, agriculture, fastener, metal manufacturing, plastics etc. It should not be perplexed with decorative chrome because it cannot repair automotive or motorcycle parts.