armoloy coatings
armoloy coatings
Armoloy’s flagship coating for corrosion and wear protection
Armoloy Coatings
Originally developed by Armoloy more than 65 years ago, nodular TDC established a new standard for high-hardness chromium coatings applied at minimal thickness. Unlike conventional hard chrome plating, nTDC delivers performance at deposits typically between .000050″ and .0003″ while preserving part tolerances, balance, and geometry.
Deposited at temperatures below 150°F, nTDC does not distort base metals or alter their metallurgical properties. Engineers specify the nodular structure based on load conditions, lubrication, and environmental demands to align coating performance with the application.
Not sure which surface structure is right for your application? Talk with an Engineer
Nodular Thin Dense Chrome is specified when controlling surface contact and resisting adhesive wear are key performance priorities.
Its micronodular surface structure reduces real area of contact between component surfaces, helping to prevent galling, cold welding, and surface fatigue — especially in applications operating under boundary or intermittent lubrication. The structure supports stable performance in sliding, start-stop, and variable-load environments.
Because the coating delivers high hardness and corrosion resistance at ultra-thin deposits, it is often chosen for precision components where tolerances, balance, and geometry must remain unchanged. It performs reliably across a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous substrates and withstands demanding thermal and chemical exposure.
When maximum lubricant retention or extreme hardness values are the primary requirements, microcracked surface structures may be preferred. Armoloy engineers evaluate load, motion, lubrication, and environment to determine the most appropriate surface morphology for each application.
| Thin Dense Chrome
Flagship
|
Nickel | Hard Chrome | Xylan | Molybdenum Disulfide | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common Industries | Precision Bearings, Medical Instruments and Devices, Robotics, Linear Motion Systems, Molds, Dies, and much more. | Packaging, Blister-Pack Molding, Automotive, Electronics, and more. | Shafts, Molds, Dies, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Rods, Industrial Rolls, and more. | Fasteners and Threaded Components, Molds, Pumps, Pistons, Valves, Marine Equipment, and more. | Microelectronics, Photovoltaics, Automotive, Sliding Applications, Vacuum Systems, and more. |
| Generally Used For |
Corrosion Resistance
Wear Resistance
Improves Machine Performance
|
Corrosion Resistance
Wear Resistance
|
Wear Resistance
Corrosion Resistance
|
Release
Corrosion Resistance
|
Release
Lubricity
|
| Advantages | Thin Dense Chrome is a pure metallic zero valence chromium coating that prevents metal failures and improves machine performance. | Nickel coatings are renowned for their corrosion and wear resistance. | Hard chrome plating is selected for applications that require surface durability, dimensional restoration, and reliable performance under load and motion. | Xylan is built for extreme environments where corrosion resistance, friction and wear reduction, and buildup prevention are paramount. | Molybdenum Disulfide is known for its exceptional lubrication, high load-bearing capacity, and temperature resistance. |
| Disadvantages | Thin Dense Chrome can be affected by prolonged exposure to saltwater and caustic environments. | Nickel coatings struggle with rolling contact fatigue, highly abrasive operations and, depending on the type of nickel coating, are typically applied in thicker layers than Thin Dense Chrome coatings. | Hard chrome coatings are typically very thick, often exceeding the requirements for precision applications. Moreover, they do not achieve a perfect bond with substrates and exhibit lower hardness compared to thin dense chrome. | Xylan coatings are sacrificial coatings designed to wear down with use, which creates the need for reapplication. | Molybdenum disulfide is also a sacrificial coating designed to wear down with use, and it struggles in humid conditions. While the coating performs extremely well in a vacuum, water vapor can often limit its applications. |
| Thickness |
1.27 – 25.4 µm
0.00005″ – 0.001″
|
2.54 – 76.2 µm
0.0001″ – 0.003″
|
25.4 – 762 µm
0.001″ – 0.03″
|
12 – 38 µm
0.0005″ – 0.0015″
|
5.08 – 7.62 µm
0.0002″ – 0.0004″
|
Armoloy coatings have passed the rigorous testing standards for the following accreditations:
Armoloy can provide compliance with industry standards and specifications to include:
Absolute adhesion
Will not flake, crack, or separate from the base metal
Micronodular surface
Minimizes opposing surface contact, dramatically reduces friction, improves release characteristics
Low processing temperature <150°F
Eliminates annealing and will not distort the base metal
High wear resistance
Exceptional for sliding applications and abrasive wear
Chemical resistance
Stable in acids, alkalis, solvents and gasses
Anti-galling characteristics
Excellent resistance to adhesive wear, enhanced tolerance of low-lube
Pure metallic non-toxic chromium coating
USDA approved coating and FDA compliant, nontoxic (USP tested, REACH compliant, RoHS compliant), Bio-compatible surface
No sharp edge buildup
Minimizes dimensional change
Thin, precise deposits
Does not require post plate machining. Will not affect part tolerances or balance
Lubrication retention
Nodular surface retains wet and dry lubricants
Global reach
Armoloy-licensed applicators in North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia
Diverse industries
Widely used in aerospace, nuclear, oil & gas, and food processing & packaging
From early-stage consultation to final inspection, we manage every step in-house, backed by a full metallurgical lab and decades of coating expertise.
Our innovation center builds repeatable, validated processes you can count on. Wherever your coating is fulfilled, it’s done to the same precise spec.
With coating centers and logistics support across the globe, we deliver fast, consistent quality wherever your operations are.
Armoloy coatings meet rigorous regulatory and industry standards, from RoHS and REACH to ISO and . See our full list of Accreditations and Specifications.
Some of the most common metal failures include:
Armoloy’s different metal coating solutions help industries avoid costly metal failures and unplanned downtime.
Typical deposit thickness for Nodular Thin Dense Chrome ranges from 0.0001″ to 0.0003″ (2.54–7.62 µm). In precision applications, effective performance can be achieved at thinner deposits between 0.00005″ and 0.0001″ (1.27–2.54 µm).
The appropriate thickness depends on load conditions, substrate material, and performance requirements. Armoloy engineers evaluate each application to determine the optimal deposit range.
In many applications, yes. Nodular Thin Dense Chrome provides high surface hardness, strong wear resistance, and corrosion protection at significantly thinner deposits than conventional hard chrome plating.
Because it is applied at low processing temperatures and typically does not require post-machining, nTDC can improve dimensional control and reduce processing steps. However, suitability depends on the specific operating environment and performance requirements. Reach out to an Armoloy Engineer to discuss your application.
Nodular Thin Dense Chrome is a pure metallic chromium coating and can be specified for regulated environments when compliance requirements are defined. It has been used in applications requiring FDA, REACH, RoHS, and USP-related considerations.
Armoloy offers several TDC-based coatings that are food-grade and biocompatible, including ME-92 Biocompatible Chromium and BIO TDC Surgical Coating. Final suitability depends on the full system design, substrate material, and applicable regulatory standards.
Nodular Thin Dense Chrome is commonly applied to a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous substrates, including bearing steels (such as 52100 and 8620), tool steels (including S-7 and H-13), carbon steels, cast iron, copper, bronze, and brass.
Substrate preparation and material condition influence adhesion and performance. Armoloy engineers review substrate specifications as part of the application assessment.
In most applications, no. Nodular Thin Dense Chrome is applied in ultra-thin, controlled deposits that preserve part tolerances, balance, and geometry.
Because buildup is minimal and edge accumulation is controlled, post-coating machining is typically not required. Exceptions may apply for specific dimensional restoration or repair applications.
Need smooth, reliable protection? Connect with our team to find the right solution for your application.
