Difference Between Chrome-Plated Shelving And Plain Stainless Steel

Most of the equipment and furniture used in industrial facilities such as factories, kitchens and cleanrooms are made out of stainless steel. They are often the preferred material choice when it comes to industrial furniture units due to the good qualities they possess.

Now, have you ever heard of chrome-plated shelving units and chrome wire trolleys? What is the difference between a regular piece of stainless steel equipment and one that is chrome-plated? Find out more in this article.

Chrome-Plated Shelving

Chrome plating is an electrochemical process that involves applying a thin layer of chromium to the surface of a metal or alloy. The chromed layer can either be purely decorative or enhance the properties of the metal or alloy.

Chrome-plated shelving is essentially a standard multi-purpose stainless steel shelving unit that has been electroplated with a layer of chrome to provide the user with a piece of equipment featuring additional qualities. A chrome-plated shelving unit has many amazing features that include durability to withstand regular wear and tear, resistance to corrosion, resistance to dust, easier maintenance and a cleaner appearance.

The majority of chrome-plated equipment are also National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified for use in food and beverage service and the healthcare service industry.

Aside from chrome-plated shelving units, there are also items such as chrome wire trolleys and shelves. They may sometimes differ from chrome-plated equipment because they can either be stainless steel trolleys coated with a layer of chrome plating, or trolleys made with chromium as its primary material.

Chrome wire trolleys and shelves, similar to stainless steel, are known for their durability and their corrosion resistance, making them hygienic for use even in cleanrooms, hospitals and medical institutions.

Stainless Steel Equipment

Stainless steel on its own is a relatively strong alloy with excellent durability and other properties including corrosion resistance, resistance to high and low temperatures, excellent strength, hypoallergenic features due to its non-porous properties and cleanability.

Depending on its type and grade (stainless steel has four families and numerous grades), stainless steel equipment can be made out of a variety of materials, sometimes consisting of elements, chemicals and metals not found in other stainless steel grades. The most basic materials commonly found in stainless steel are iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel. Stainless steels also go through different processes in order to achieve different properties.

In Comparison to Chrome-Plated Equipment

When compared to chrome-plated shelving units, uncoated stainless steel equipment may be perceived as one that possesses almost the same properties. Although the difference isn’t significant, coating stainless steel equipment such as trolleys with chrome can actually improve its durability and strength.

In Comparison to Chrome Wire Equipment

However, when it comes to chrome wire equipment such as chrome wire trolleys, they may have different features compared to uncoated stainless steel equipment such as your regular stainless steel trolleys and shelves. This is because chrome wire equipment may be constructed from a different ratio of materials, resulting in varying levels of resistance to specific elements and damages.

Some of the distinctions could be in terms of strength, durability, resistance to scratches, dents, corrosion and extreme temperatures. To find out more about their key properties and differences, it is recommended that you check in with the equipment manufacturer or supplier before making your purchase.

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