Virtual Modelling of the Stress-Strain State of the Bar Thrust System in the Chrome Plating Technological Process

Abstract Chrome plating of long bars in conventional batch plants proves to be challenging, requiring complex lifting equipment and considerable vertical space. Therefore, the use of continuous chrome plating plants, which allow controlled passage of the bars through the chrome plating bath, is preferred. The continuous hard chrome plating plant operates automatically, controlling the entire process from the loading to the discharge of chrome plated bars. The feed and discharge mechanisms must allow the flow of electric current through the bars subject to the chrome plating. This calls for the design of some mechanisms capable of ensuring a constant feed of bars and their efficient discharge. This paper presents a virtual study using finite element analysis (FEA) focused on the strength assessment of the mechanism including the drive pin, the levers and the sliding plates responsible for the movement of the bars. As a result of the study, essential data on critical stresses, local deformations and factor of safety (FOS) for the whole mechanism were obtained, thus providing valuable information for the optimization of the chrome plating process.