Our repair processes can effectively restore worn or damaged components, offering a high-quality and time-saving alternative to costly new purchases. Repair can significantly reduce machine downtimes, minimising costs and delivery delays. By reconditioning old components, you are acting in the interests of resource efficiency, thereby reducing reliance on the volatile raw materials market and reducing CO2 emissions, which benefits the environment.
Our repair processes
Repair method | Extent of the damage | Depth of the damage | Condition of the surface | Costs in comparison |
Repair hard chrome plating | large area | < 1 mm | coated / uncoated | highest |
Brush plating | small | < 3 mm | coated / uncoated | higher |
TIG/MIG welding | small | > 1 mm | uncoated | lower |
Spot welding | < 2 mm | unlimited | coated / uncoated | lowest |
Advantages of a repair over a new purchase:
faster
less expensive
more resource-efficient
Repair hard chrome plating
Hard chrome plating is a repair process that restores worn or damaged surfaces by applying a hard chrome layer. The component is initially stripped and ground clean in order to facilitate the subsequent repair process. The next stage is to electroplate the component with chrome. The hard chrome layer is extremely hard and wear-resistant, making it an ideal solution for restoring worn or damaged surfaces. The surface is then subjected to mechanical processing in order to achieve the desired dimensional accuracy and surface quality. This process is carried out through grinding, polishing or superfinishing. The final inspection verifies the component’s dimensional accuracy, layer thickness, and surface quality. The component is now fully functional and ready to be used again in the intended application.
Betz-Chrom operates in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) of 18 December 2006, holding an authorisation for the use of chromium trioxide. Further detailed information on REACH, our authorisation and our activities to research alternatives can be found under FAQ on REACH.
A wide range of machine components, including bearing seats, winding mandrels, pistons, piston rods, spindles, drive cylinders, protective sleeves, turbine rotors, planetary rings and many others, are suitable for repair hard chrome plating. We have also been successfully applying our expertise to the regeneration of extrusion screws for a long time.
Brush plating
In brush plating, small areas of damage, such as pores or partial defects and wear spots, are meticulously sealed using an electrochemical metal application. Following the brush plating process, the component is once again provided with a smooth and closed surface.
The repair process consists of three main stages: pre-treatment (cleaning), activation (pickling) and metal deposition. In order to facilitate the metal deposition process, graphite anodes are wrapped in cotton wool and soaked in an electrolyte solution. The anode is connected to a rectifier and switched to positive. The component to be coated is the cathode, which is connected negatively. The anode, soaked in electrolyte, is used to seal the partial defect on the component. The deposited metallic material is then ground and levelled.
The choice of metallic electrolyte to be used to fill the imperfections depends on the surface in question. Copper electrolytes are usually used, but nickel and cobalt electrolytes can also be used to close small pores.
TIG/MIG welding
The repair processes TIG (tungsten inert gas) and MIG (metal inert gas) welding utilise welding techniques to apply material and repair damaged areas. Firstly, the damaged area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared. The appropriate welding process (TIG or MIG) is then selected, depending on the material and the specific requirements of the repair. During the welding process, new material is applied to fill cracks, holes or worn areas. Once the welding process is complete, the weld seam is reworked as required (e.g. by grinding) to obtain a smooth surface.
Spot welding
In spot welding or plate welding, small metal plates are spot-welded onto the surface of the component to be repaired. The appropriate metal plates are selected based on the material of the component and the specific repair requirements. These can be made of chrome, steel, or another suitable metal that aligns with the mechanical properties and wear behaviour of the component. The welding process is designed to be fast and precise to minimise the heat effect on the component and ensure accurate placement of the plates. Once the plates have been welded on, the surface of the component is mechanically reworked to achieve an even and smooth surface.
Express service
For orders with increased deadline pressure, you have the option of using our express service. This is agreed upon in direct consultation with our production control and charged via a surcharge.
Initial sampling
Before starting more complex series, we offer you an initial sampling at discounted rates. Here you can convince yourself of the quality of our processing. In addition, together we ideally coordinate our production processes.
Tips for delivery
For optimum quality and short lead times in our production, the delivery condition of the components is one of the decisive factors. Here you will find helpful tips for the delivery of your components.