PLATING ON COPPER

Copper is a versatile metal that benefits various industries with its effective conductivity and malleability. At Hard Chrome Specialists, we provide expert copper plating procedures to strengthen and improve copper resistance in commercial machinery and components.

Elevating Industrial Equipment With Plating on Copper

Copper is a superior manufacturing metal found in diverse machinery and equipment. Plating can enhance the natural capabilities of copper and address challenges that arise with aged copper. Plate your copper to:

• Resist metal corrosion and rust
• Form an additional protective layer around copper fixtures
• Enhance the visual appearance of the equipment
• Increase the metal’s natural conductivity
• Extend the equipment life cycle
• Improve durability

Copper corrodes, forming a patina or a greenish oxide coating on the outside. Chrome or nickel layering acts as a corrosion deterrent and reinforces resistance. Hard Chrome Specialists delivers expertise in plating for diverse various devices and components, including:

• Pump shafts and rotor parts
• Printing elements
• Textile component
• Tools
• Industrial machinery
• Screws, rolls and molds
• Hydraulic cylinders

We’re an ISO-certified operation that analyzes and addresses your needs with top-tier service and quick turnaround times.

Our Copper Plating Processes

There are two primary ways we can help you update your copper and improve machine functionality and appearance. This is how our technical team executes electroless nickel and hard chrome plating services on copper to expand its applications:

Electroless Nickel Plating

This process utilizes chemical agents in an aqueous solution to drive deposition, which is a departure from the electroplating of our chrome dips. Electroless nickel plating on copper requires some special treatment compared to other metals. Since copper is non-catalytic in this process, it needs a jump-start of sorts. We can facilitate the process by applying an electrical current for a few seconds before beginning the soak. We can also apply a general nickel strike in a separate tank, as the strike will promote catalytic sites.

Plating copper also increases its overall electrical conductivity due to nickel being a good conductor. When you increase copper’s electrical conductivity, you make it an even better material for electrical components. Since nickel plating increases the metal’s operating temperature, nickel-plated copper is also ideal for applications with high thermal demands. This makes it suitable for use in wires and cables, integrated circuits and circuit boards, conductors, electric motor parts, piping and other similar items.

Hard Chrome Plating

Hard chrome plating on copper might seem unconventional, but it’s proven to be quite useful in various industries.

The process follows a similar progression to chrome plating on steel. We thoroughly clean the copper to remove dirt and grime, and then we activate it with an acid pickle before striking it with nickel. From there, we dip it in an electrochemical bath of chromium, which we gradually stimulate with increasing electric current to produce a fine layer of chrome deposit on the copper.

You can apply chrome to copper instruments, ice machine evaporators, plumbing pipes and fittings and even artwork. While its benefits are somewhat similar to our chrome plating, this process will do even more than add significant corrosion resistance and strength.

Hard Chrome Specialists: Your Partner for Plating on Copper

At Hard Chrome Specialist, we provide comprehensive industrial plating, repair and maintenance services in Pennsylvania and Maryland. In addition to hard chrome and nickel electroplating, we have electropolishing, reconditioning and cylindrical grinding solutions.

Our range of services enables us to assist you in keeping your machinery functional and well-maintained. When your equipment operates at peak performance and looks appealing, you can enhance productivity and improve the quality of your components.

Why Choose Hard Chrome Specialists?

We are a team of specialists in hard chrome plating, electroless nickel coating and other industrial equipment methods. We offer:

• Custom coating strategies for copper and other materials through electroless nickel and hard chrome plating.
• Additional technical expertise for welding projects, custom designs, fabrication, equipment reconditioning and system overhauls and surface preparation through glass bead blasting.
• Ample experience working with clients in agriculture, health care, printing, energy manufacturing, mining and more.
• Quality assurance and control programs that drive our production processes, policies and standards.
• ISO 9001 certification and quick turnaround times.

Work With Us to Optimize Your Operations

Your equipment is a core driver of your business operations. It impacts performance, product quality, employee efficiency and your bottom line. Plating copper machinery, components and fixtures supports your industrial operations. It protects equipment, boosts part resistance, bolsters hardness and strength and deters corrosion.

Learn more about what plating can do for you by filling out a contact form. Or call us at 717-764-5171 to request an estimate today!