Chrome Plating
Chrome plating is a commonly used metal finishing process for decorative and industrial applications. Chrome is typically plated over a nickel surface and is used to produce a visually appealing decorative finish that also increases corrosion and wear resistance. In industrial applications, higher levels of electrical current are used for increased thickness which significantly improves the longevity and integrity of the substrate.
Nickel Plating
Nickel plating can be used as a standalone finish or as a base layer for subsequent plating processes. Like chrome plating, nickel can be used for both industrial and decorative applications. For decorative applications, nickel can produce a dull, matte color for a satin finish or brightener may be added to produce a shiny mirror finish. Nickel can also be applied through a current-free electroless process (see our Electroless Nickel services).
Copper Plating
Copper plating as a standalone finish is most often used for applications that require a high level of conductivity, such as electronics. Copper is less effective at preventing wear and corrosion than nickel and chrome. Copper is often used as a base layer as part of the Copper > Nickel > Chrome plating process and can be applied via an alkaline or acid solution.
For more information on our Electroplating services, Contact Us
Electroplating Capabilities:
Plating Material | Hexavalent Chrome | Copper |
Black Chrome | Black Oxide | |
Nickel | ||
Finishes | Dull | Mirror |
Bright | Black | |
Satin | Antique | |
Substrates | Brass | Aluminum |
Zinc | Copper | |
Steel | ||
Stainless Steel | ||
Pre-Plate Process | Ultrasonic | Chromate |
Alkaline Soak | Hydrocloric Acid | |
Alkaline Electro-cleaning | Sulfuric Acid | |
Application | Rack | Selective |
Wire | ||
Plating Characteristics | Decorative Appeal | Friction Reduction |
Corrosion Resistance | Surface Hardness | |
Wear Resistance | Protective | |
Increased Conductivity | ||
Max Part Length | 36″ | |
Production Volume | 1 to 1,000,000+ | |
Industries | Architectural Hardware | Medical |
Automotive | Aerospace | |
Security/Law Enforcement | Electronics | |
Testing | Thickness/Hardness | |
Salt Fog/Salt Spray | ||
Typical Lead Time | 3-5 days | |
Pickup/Delivery | Pickup and delivery available throughout the Northeast |