CHROME ALLOYS

About Chrome Alloys

Chrome’s name is derived from the Greek word Chroma to mean colour due to the many colourful compounds made from it. Chrome does not occur free in nature, rather as the mineral Chromite.
 

Key Properties of Ferro Chrome

Ferro Chrome alloys are hard materials with a shiny appearance that are resistant to corrosion. The Nitrogen content of Nitrided Ferro Chrome produces refined grains and adds strength to the final product.
 

Production of Ferro Chrome

The two main products of Chromite refining are Ferro Chrome and Chrome Metal. For the production of Ferro Chrome, the chromite ore is reduced, usually by coal and coke, in a high temperature reaction to form the Iron-Chrome alloy. For production of pure Chrome the Iron has to be separated from the chrome in a two step roasting and leaching process.  Our Chrome Metal page can be found within the "Pure Metals" section of the website.
 

Uses

Over 80% of the world’s Ferro Chrome is utilised in the production of stainless steel, which is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10% Chrome by content, the average Chrome content being 18%. Stainless steel depends on Chrome for its appearance and its corrosion resisting properties.

High Carbon Ferro Chrome is most commonly used in specialist applications such as engineering steels. Lower Carbon Ferro Chromes are produced in smaller quantities for more specialised applications.