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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 & NICKEL INDUSTRIAL PLATING SERVICE

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
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

Our innovative hard chrome plating process sets us apart from our competitors. We maintain tight control to ensure maximum precision and a superior result. Our cutting-edge chemical baths and carefully applied electrical current produce a robust surface reaction that attracts the chromium and deposits it at the desired thickness in a fine layer. The coating will adhere to the substrate reliably and meet your long-term performance and durability expectations.

About Our Industrial Hard Chrome Plating Services

We offer our hard chrome plating services in Pennsylvania and Maryland to businesses across a broad spectrum of industries. The greatest benefit of hard chrome metal finishing is its value as a protective coating that strengthens and preserves the surface of the substrate for years of durability and performance.

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

  • Pistons and hydraulic cylinders in heavy earthmoving equipment like excavators, backhoe loaders and cranes
  • 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 to protect against corrosion due to prolonged exposure to the elements

On top of these industry-leading plating solutions, we are experienced with hydraulic repair and service and can help get your hydraulic motors, pumps and accumulators back to work. We can re-plate your hydraulic cylinders and help extend their life, adding even more value to our hydraulic cylinder repair services.

About Our Electroless Nickel Plating Services

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 consisting of a nickel alloy with a phosphorous content ranging from 2% to 14%.

Unlike electroplating, ENP does not use an electric current to deposit the coating. Instead, deposition occurs via an autocatalytic reaction.

ENP is compatible with various metals, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, steel, nickel, brass and iron. Because it works equally well with conductive and non-conductive materials, it provides more options than electroplating.

ENP is 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. Hard Chrome Specialists can develop a customized electroless nickel plating process to meet your project specifications.

About Our Hydraulic Repair Service

Our in-house hydraulic repair services, which include hard chrome and electroless nickel plating, can extend your machinery's life. Our factory-trained technicians and management personnel offer more than 75 years of combined hydraulic experience, ensuring professional repair work at competitive prices. We also provide faster turnaround times than those hydraulic machine shops.

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.

Learn More About Our Industrial Plating Services

Whether you need hard chrome or electroless nickel plating or hydraulic repairs in PA or MD, the experts at Hard Chrome Specialists are ready to help you meet your project objectives. Take the next step by calling us at 717-764-5171 or contacting us online to request additional information today.

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.