NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

WE CAN DO IT ALL

We offer fine quality, premium service, and go the extra mile for all our clients. We are a recognized leader in hard chrome plating and electroless nickel plating solutions.

HARD CHROME AND NICKEL INDUSTRIAL PLATING SERVICE

At Hard Chrome Specialists, we've been providing high-quality industrial chrome plating services in Pennsylvania and Maryland since 1988. We offer some of the most innovative processes on the market and support them with exceptional customer service. Whether you need cylinder plating, hard chrome repairs or any other metal finishing work, we're ready and willing to help.

Industrial Electroplating Services

 

At Hard Chrome Specialists, we understand the importance of precision and superior results and have invested over two decades in developing expert processes that enhance the quality of your components. Our plating practices achieve this by:

  • Increasing corrosion resistance
  • Lowering their friction coefficient
  • Enhancing abrasion protection
  • Creating a protective layer over equipment surfaces
  • Creating excellent release properties
  • Expanding high heat mitigation
  • Fostering reliable bonding with the base metal
  • Improving wear resistance
  • Preventing rust
  • Improving material strength
  • Increasing natural conductivity
Hard Chrome Specialists
Hard Chrome Specialists

At Hard Chrome Specialists, we've been providing high-quality industrial chrome plating services in Pennsylvania, Maryland and beyond since 1988. We offer some of the most innovative processes on the market and support them with exceptional customer service. Whether you need cylinder plating, hard chrome repairs or any other metal finishing work, we're ready and willing to help.

Industrial Electroplating Services

 

At HCS, we specialize in hard chrome electroplating. This process involves submerging the workpiece in an electrolytic chromic acid solution, then applying an electrical current to deposit the material onto the surface. The thickness of the chrome layer can range from 2 to 250 micrometers (µm). The hardness typically falls between 68-72 on the Rockwell scale, exceeding that of most high-quality knife blades and very hard steels.

The hard chrome plating process is compatible with various metals used in manufacturing, including copper, bronze, brass, steel, cast iron and stainless steel. The benefits of the process include:

  • Increased corrosion resistance
  • Lower friction coefficient
  • Enhanced abrasion protection
  • Excellent release properties
  • High heat mitigation
  • Reliable bonding with the base metal
  • Improved wear resistance

Industrial Surfacing for Assorted Equipment and Components

At Hard Chrome Plating, we provide two primary surfacing services: hard chrome plating and electroless nickel plating (ENP). The hard chrome plating process is compatible with various metals used in manufacturing, including copper, bronze, brass, steel, cast iron and stainless steel. ENP is also compatible with several base materials, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, brass and iron. This allows us to service diverse components and machinery across various industries.

Manufacturers of aerospace parts and components, medical devices and instruments, automotive products, heavy industrial machinery and engine parts can benefit from chrome and nickel’s superior properties. We can perform hard chrome electroplating and ENP, respectively, for the following applications and many others:

  • Pistons and hydraulic cylinders in heavy equipment like excavators
  • Surfaces such as molds, dies, screws and rolls
  • Various textile and printing components
  • Agriculture and mining machinery and equipment
  • Tooling equipment and press punches
  • Pump rotors and shafts
  • Gun barrels and firearms
  • Car manufacturing parts, including fuel injectors and cylinders
  • Oil and gas sector equipment

How Do Our Industrial Chrome Plating and Electroless Nickel Services Work?

We train expert technicians to understand machinery at an extensive level and problem-solve solutions for each custom job. Every device is unique, so we evaluate each client’s needs to find the best strategy for an optimum result. Through our quality assurance and control policies, we maintain a service standard that ensures all our customers stay satisfied, and we make continuous refinements to our approaches. For standard plating, our team follows these procedures:

Hard Chrome Plating

At HCS, our innovative hard chrome plating process sets us apart from our competitors. First, we submerge the workpiece in an electrolytic chromic acid solution. We then apply an electrical current. Together with the chemical bath, this produces a robust surface reaction that attracts the chromium and deposits it in a fine layer at the desired thickness.

The thickness of the chrome layer can range from 2 to 250 micrometers (µm). The hardness typically falls between 68 and 72 on the Rockwell scale, exceeding that of most high-quality knife blades and hard steels.

The chrome forms a solid barrier that keeps your equipment protected. The coating will adhere to the substrate reliably and meet your long-term performance and durability expectations.

We offer our hard chrome plating services in Pennsylvania and Maryland to businesses across various industries. The greatest advantage of hard chrome metal finishing is that it protects the substrate for years of durable performance.

Electroless Nickel Plating

In addition to our premium commercial chrome plating services, Hard Chrome Specialists can also perform electroless nickel plating (ENP) in PA, MD and nationally. This process involves immersing the metal substrate into a plating solution of a nickel alloy with a phosphorous content.

Unlike electroplating, ENP does not use an electric current to deposit the coating. Instead, it involves an autocatalytic reaction to deposit the nickel ions onto the surface.

ENP works equally well with conductive and non-conductive materials, providing more service options than electroplating. It is also a good choice for plating uneven surfaces with lots of nooks and crevices. It also has a more consistent thickness, often eliminating the need for additional finishing processes. The Hard Chrome Specialists team can develop a customized electroless nickel plating process to meet your project specifications.

Our Hydraulic Repair and Remanufacturing Services

In addition to these industry-leading plating solutions, we have experience in hydraulic repair and service and can help get your hydraulic motors, pumps and accumulators back to work. We can also re-plate your hydraulic cylinders and help extend their life, adding more value to our hydraulic cylinder repair services.

If you need custom hydraulic parts or components, our computer-aided design (CAD) software can help us fabricate products that meet your needs. After completing the repair, we'll test and certify the parts to ensure they deliver reliable, long-term performance.

Why Choose Hard Chrome Specialists?

From innovative, industry-leading plating techniques to our diverse equipment servicing capabilities, there’s a package for everyone. We work with each client to determine the most effective service plan for your equipment. To ensure you receive the best service and a satisfactory result, we:

  • Hire and train the best technicians and specialists.
  • Offer over 20 years of experience in the industry and 75 combined years in hydraulic repairs.
  • Are ISO 9000-certified.
  • Have an in-house quality assurance and quality control program.
  • Work to update our approaches and to innovate new techniques.

Learn More About Our Industrial Plating Services

Whether you need hard chrome, electroless nickel plating, or hydraulic repairs in PA or MD, the experts at Hard Chrome Specialists are ready to help. We’ll meet your project objectives by restoring and reinforcing your equipment to the highest standard, and you can expect quick response times and friendly customer service.

Call us at 717-764-5171 or fill out a contact form to get assistance from our specialists.

We are currently seeking skilled individuals to join our expanding team

WHAT WE DO BEST

OUR SERVICES

HARD CHROME PLATING SERVICES

Hard Chrome Specialists takes great pride in being the #1 chroming service provider in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Our chrome plating techniques are sure to lengthen the life of your materials and minimize the need for costly repairs down the road.

HYDRAULIC REPAIR SERVICES

Our hydraulic repair technicians are experts at working on all kinds of hydraulic components including pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, and more. Regardless of the brand, make, or model, we can get your hydraulic components up and running in no time.

ELECTROLESS NICKEL PLATING SERVICES

Our top of the line electroless nickel plating process is excellent for materials that required a more detailed plating approach. 

PASSIVATION AND ELECTROPOLISHING

Hard Chrome Specialists also offers industry-leading passivation and electropolishing services to ensure your materials are both aesthetically pleasing and protected against corrosive attacks.