Chrome-plated pipes for furniture can be used as decor and as part of the structure. In the first version, it will be fittings, and in the second, it will be a structural element.
Key Features
Laying a layer of chromium on the pipe allows you to protect the product from corrosion and give it an aesthetic appearance. Chrome plating of parts made of metal, plastic and other materials is carried out. In furniture manufacturing, a layer of chromium is usually applied over a sprayed layer of copper or nickel.
Chrome applied to pipes protects against mechanical stress and moisture. It is used as a wear-resistant and inexpensive material. These properties explain why chrome-plated pipes are used for furniture.
There are three ways of chromium plating: chemical, diffusion, electrolytic. The latter method allows you to get a pipe with a different structure. Therefore, several types of chromium are distinguished:
Milk - elastic, but not durable chrome. This type of pipe is used for furniture in cases where theyneeds to be bent. The appearance of the product does not deteriorate
Brilliant has visual appeal. The main property is wear resistance. This is the reason for the use of such pipes. Used on areas of furniture that are frequently touched
Hard - has high strength due to the thick layer of spraying. Rarely used for furniture processing
Pipe sizes
The most common diameter of chrome pipes for furniture is 25 millimeters. But other sizes are also used:
10 or 16 millimeters - most often made from copper. Pipes of this size are most typical for furniture made in a modern style
25 millimeters - they are used to make supporting elements and decorative fittings. With this diameter, chrome-plated pipes are used for bathroom furniture (shelves, heated towel rails)
32mm - also found in bathrooms
50 millimeters - characterized by increased strength. Therefore, they can be used for the manufacture of supports (for example, bar counters). Such pipes can withstand weight up to 60 kg
40 or 50 millimeters - used for the manufacture of stair railings
How to work with chrome pipes
To work with pipes, you need to know how chrome-plated pipes for furniture are processed. In addition to knowledge, you will need a set of simple tools.
Chrome pipe bending is performed withusing a blowtorch. Warming up of the product should occur gradually. Open fire must not be used for this purpose. During operation, care must be taken not to damage furniture fittings. The chrome-plated pipe is clamped in a vise, pre-wrapped in fabric. These precautions are necessary to avoid damaging the surface of the product.
Before you cut the pipe, you need to make sketches from cardboard. Only then can you start cutting. The chrome pipe is cut with a hacksaw with fine teeth. You can not use the grinder, otherwise the metal will overheat and deform.
You can remove the formed burrs with sandpaper or a file with a small fraction.
Parts of chrome-plated pipes are connected with special elements, which are also covered with a layer of chromium.
