The hard chrome coating process is used to achieve layers of extreme hardness, excellent wear and corrosion resistence, outstanding adhesive strength and homogeneity. The components are exposed to very low temperatures so that they are not subject to distortion. This makes it possible to use favorable base materials for higher mechanical duties. Hard chrome layers are eminently suitable for grinding and polishing, achieving high-gloss surfaces with Rmax smaller than 0.1 μm (0.05 μm on request). With variations in surface topography and material structure as well as different combinations of materials, it is possible to further modify the performance characteristics to cater for different types of functions.