A comparative evaluation of current and advanced electrodeposit-type coatings will be presented. Traditional chromium electroplated coatings will be compared to state-of-the-art chromium coating technology. Various modern electrodeposits including nickel, duplex nickel,
and composite nickel will be reviewed and explained. Commercial and industrial electrodeposits will be discussed in terms of design, applications and trade offs as they relate to performance in critical uses.
Electroless deposits will be introduced and compared to conventional electrodeposits. The design advantages of electroless nickel + phosphorus and nickel + boron alloys will be offered as an indication of the flexibility of engineering a surface to specific requirements.  Commercial composite materials using electroless nickel will be discussed as an example of design innovation. Wear test data will be used to illustrate the rather comprehensive utility of ASTM testing methods to tailor electrodeposits as well as other advanced coatings for engineering applications.
The Tribological Aspect Number (TAN) will be introduced and illustrated as a powerful tool to measure and predict how to implement advanced coatings in engineering components. Improving the performance of various systems and re-design of a component for use of advanced coatings technology can be achieved by using the screening and bench testing methodology to shorten the prototype evaluation process. Ultimately, qualification of new coatings for the stream of commerce must be proven by accelerated field service testing.
* The author is Technical Director - Materials Engineering, Engineering Systems Inc.,

3851 Exchange Avenue, Aurora, IL 60504

He is a CEF (Certified Electroplater Finisher) by AESF. feschmidt@esi-il.com C.V. is available at www.esi-website.com