Solar black chrome plating
Solar black chrome is a specialized type of black chrome plating that is specifically designed for use in solar energy applications. This coating is optimized to have high solar absorptance and low thermal emittance. Olymco, Inc. names the process at its Canton, Ohio plant. Send the optical requirements with your part details.
What does solar black chrome go on?
Olymco’s published history and market list include solar collectors and parabolic trough systems. For absorber plates, strips, or assemblies, describe the collector design, materials, and surfaces that require coating. See Olymco’s history for the background of its solar work.
Solar absorptance describes how much incoming solar energy a surface absorbs. Thermal emittance describes how readily it radiates heat. The goal for an absorber is high solar absorptance with low thermal emittance, so the surface takes in as much of the sun’s energy as it can and radiates little of it back out as heat. A coating that does both is called spectrally selective, which is what separates it from black paint. These properties provide a more useful acceptance requirement for an absorber than its black appearance alone.
Confirm the targets and how they will be verified before placing an order.
Identify whether the part is sheet, a formed component, or an assembly. Describe existing coatings and any nonmetallic components. State who is expected to perform optical measurements, and call (330) 452-2300 to arrange how to share drawings.
Six details to specify for a quote
- Material and substrate
- Send the substrate and gauge, plus any underplate requirement.
- Finish variant
- Send the absorptance and emittance targets with their acceptance limits.
- Part size limits
- Send complete dimensions, weight, and assembly geometry.
- Tolerances
- State the operating temperature and any specified durability test.
- Volume range
- State the quantity per lot.
- Minimum order
- Ask about the minimum order.
Questions buyers ask about this process
Is solar black chrome the same as decorative black chrome?
The intended acceptance requirements differ. Solar work is specified for optical performance; black chrome used for appearance may have different criteria. Identify the application and measurements required.
Is a black appearance enough to approve an absorber?
No. An absorber is judged on measured absorptance and emittance, not on how black it looks. Provide the required values, test method, and acceptance limits for the collector design.
What substrate can Olymco process?
Material acceptance needs confirmation for your component. Send the exact alloy, gauge, existing coating, and any specified underplate. Do not assume that a substrate used in another collector is suitable for this job.
Who measures absorptance and emittance?
That responsibility must be agreed for the program. State the required method and ask Olymco to confirm whether testing will be performed internally, externally, or by the customer.
Can an existing absorber be recoated?
Existing coatings, damage, and base metal condition need review first. Provide the original specification and current condition, then confirm whether assessment or recoating is feasible before shipping it.
What information is needed for an assembled absorber?
Include complete dimensions, materials, joints, and surfaces to be coated. Identify temperature and handling limits and any areas that must remain uncoated so the assembly can be reviewed as a whole.
Related finishes
Get a quote for your part
Have the six details above ready when you request a quote.