The objective is to demonstrate and validate H-Max, a unique non-chrome hard plating process as a replacement for Society for Automobile Engineers Aerospace Material Specification 2406 [1] chromium plating for many existing and future applications. The project will demonstrate and validate H-Max for applications in high demand where hard chrome is typically used, such as hydraulic cylinders, and establish requirements for these and other applications. 

The project team will utilize H-Max, one of many products under the Maxterial brand, to demonstrate it as a drop-in replacement for electroplated hard chrome (EHC) coating plating. H-Max is certified to be free of hexavalent chrome and does not use chemicals of concern and has shown promise as a replacement for hard-chrome plating applications outside of the military that could be adapted for military applications [2]. Both H-Max and EHC processes include proper cleaning and activation of the substrate followed by the coating process and final rinse. Maxterial has developed several versions of the coating; all are alloys of nickel and molybdenum produced by a common electroplating process. However, the chemical formulation of the bath solution used in this plating process is different for each coating version, each with different Department of Defense (DoD) benefits. The H-Max coating is a suggested replacement for EHC coating [3]. Its wear resistance is higher than chrome and can be used in aggressive wear and corrosive environments. The project team will demonstrate and validate this H-Max technology for various DoD applications. 

Hard chrome plating is a process that is pervasive throughout the entire DoD. Although the final coating is not hazardous, the process uses chromic acid which is a form of hexavalent chromium. Use of H-Max will eliminate these needs for hexavalent chromium in the DoD and could help enable further transition of this across the industry in the U.S. 

References: 

1. "CHROMIUM PLATING, HARD AMS2406".
2. Maxterial, "MaxShield Technology Designed to Replace Hard Chrome," 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.pfonline.com/products/maxshield-coating-technology-designedto- replace-hardchromium.
3. H. K. a. A. H. E. Ilgar, "An Environment-Friendly Replacement for Hard Chrome Coating of Work Rolls in Cold Rolling Mills and Continuous Casting Molds," in AISTech Conference Proceedings, Pittsburgh, 2019.