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Chrome Plating Alternatives

The list below is dated 3 August 2024 updates are always dated to reflect changes.

Below the list regarding locations in Northern Ireland are included additional lists of facilities in the Republic of Ireland; Scotland; Wales and England.


As we become more environmentally conscious, finding sustainable alternatives to traditional chrome plating has become a priority. Let’s explore a few eco-friendly options that can replace the classic hard chrome plating:


  1. Thermal Spray Coating:

  2. Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Coatings:

    • PVD is like the haute couture of thin-film coating. It involves vaporizing solid materials in a specialized vacuum and depositing them onto the substrate. The catch? Your parts need to fit inside the vacuum chamber and withstand temperatures up to 800 °F. PVD coatings are ideal for small, intricate parts that require thin multi-faceted coating. Think of it as the delicate jewellery of surface finishes.

  3. Electroless Nickel Coatings:


Thermal Spray Coating Businesses by County in Northern Ireland


Businesses in County Antrim that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings are essential for protecting against wear and corrosion, extending the lifespan of various products. Here are a few options:

  1. Impreglon UK:

    • Impreglon UK is a leading applicator of thermal sprayed coatings. Their expertise lies in providing protective coatings that enhance durability and reduce the total cost of ownership for your components.

    • They offer several application processes, including Arc Spray, which uses electricity to melt a coating made from metallic wires (such as Thermally Sprayed Zinc or Aluminium). They also provide Flame Spraying and Plasma Coating options.

    • If you’d like more information, you can visit their website: Impreglon UK Thermal Spray Coatings.

  2. Surface Technology:

  3. DF Coatings Ltd:


Businesses in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. Here are a couple of options for you:

  1. Protx (N.I.) Ltd:

  2. One Step Insulation:


Businesses in County Down, Northern Ireland, that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. Here are a couple of options for you:

  1. Protx (N.I.) Ltd:

    • Protx is a modern proactive company based in Castledawson, Northern Ireland. They are a leading provider of specialist coatings, including thermal spraying.

    • Their services cover powder coating, spray finishing, thermal spraying, and blast cleaning. Whether you need to protect steel fabrications, automotive components, or even vintage machinery, Protx has the expertise.

    • Notably, they recently installed a new powder coating facility suitable for heavy-duty components, with a maximum weight capacity of 8 tonnes and a maximum size of (L)7500mm x (H)1900mm x (W)3000mm. This addition extends their capabilities.

    • If you’d like more information, you can visit their website: Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings.

  2. Shot Blasting Services NI:


Businesses in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. While County Fermanagh is known for its stunning lakes and landscapes, let’s see what protective coating options are available there:

  1. Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings, Castledawson:

    • Protx is a modern and proactive company that provides specialist coatings, including thermal spraying. They undertake a wide range of work, including powder coating, spray finishing, and blast cleaning.

    • Their services are designed to repair and protect various materials, equipment, and machinery, ultimately extending their lifespan and reducing manufacturing costs.

    • Notably, Protx recently installed a new powder coating facility suitable for heavy-duty components, with a maximum weight capacity of 8 tonnes and a maximum size of (L)7500mm x (H)1900mm x (W)3000mm. This addition enhances their capabilities.

    • If you’d like more information, you can visit their website: Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings.

  2. Tralas Spray Foam Insulation:

Remember that thermal spray coatings significantly enhance the durability of equipment and machinery, making them a valuable investment.


Businesses in County Londonderry (also known as Derry), Northern Ireland, that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. Here are a couple of options for you:

  1. Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings, Castledawson:

    • Protx is a modern and proactive company that provides specialist coatings, including thermal spraying. They undertake a wide range of work, including powder coating, spray finishing, and blast cleaning.

    • Their services are designed to repair and protect various materials, equipment, and machinery – ultimately extending their lifespan and reducing manufacturing costs. Protx caters to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil/gas, quarry and mining, and manufacturing.

    • Notably, Protx recently installed a new powder coating facility suitable for heavy-duty components, with a maximum weight capacity of 8 tonnes and a maximum size of (L)7500mm x (H)1900mm x (W)3000mm. This addition enhances their capabilities.

    • If you’d like more information, you can visit their website: Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings.

  2. Ace Insulation, Limavady:


Businesses in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, that specialize in thermal spray coatings. These coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces from wear, corrosion, and other environmental factors. Here are a couple of options for you:

  1. Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings, Castledawson:

    • Protx is a modern and proactive company that provides specialist coatings, including thermal spraying. They undertake a wide range of work, including powder coating, spray finishing, and blast cleaning.

    • Their services are designed to repair and protect various materials, equipment, and machinery – ultimately extending their lifespan and reducing manufacturing costs. Protx caters to various industries, including automotive, aerospace, oil/gas, quarry and mining, and manufacturing.

    • Notably, Protx recently installed a new powder coating facility suitable for heavy-duty components, with a maximum weight capacity of 8 tonnes and a maximum size of (L)7500mm x (H)1900mm x (W)3000mm. This addition enhances their capabilities1.

    • If you’d like more information, you can visit their website: Protx (N.I.) Ltd - Protective Coatings.

  2. Tyrone Coatings & Insulation:

Remember that thermal spray coatings significantly enhance the durability of equipment and machinery, making them a valuable investment.

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Physical Vapor Deposition (VPD) Coating Businesses by County in Northern Ireland


Let’s explore some information related to Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating businesses in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

  1. JANS Composites:

  2. Advancements in PVD Coating:

 

 

Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings in County Armagh, Northern Ireland.

  1. Ionbond™ IHI Group:

    • Location: Ionbond™ is a global leader in PVD coating services, and they have a presence in various regions, including Northern Ireland.

    • Expertise: Ionbond™ specializes in depositing coatings made of nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides of metals like Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), and Zirconium (Zr). These coatings find applications in cutting tools, mechanical components, and even medical devices.

    • Advantages: PVD coatings offer several benefits, including increased tool lifespan, improved cutting speeds, and reduced friction. Plus, they can be applied to a wide range of substrate materials.

    • Process: PVD involves generating partially ionized metal vapor, which reacts with specific gases to form a thin film on the substrate. The process occurs at low temperatures, typically between 250 and 450 °C.

    • Website: If you’d like to explore more about Ionbond™ and their PVD services, check out their website: Ionbond™ PVD Coating Service.

  2. Richter Precision:

    • Overview: While not specifically based in County Armagh, Richter Precision is a notable player in PVD and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings.

    • PVD Process: Richter Precision utilizes various deposition technologies to create coatings with tailored properties. Their PVD coatings involve positively charged, highly energized metal ions combined with reactive gases.

    • Applications: These coatings enhance wear resistance, hardness, and other essential characteristics for tools and components.

    • Learn More: For further details, you can visit Richter Precision’s website: Richter Precision.

Remember, PVD coatings not only improve performance but also add a touch of elegance to your tools and components.

 

 

Let’s explore some metal-coated magic in County Down, Northern Ireland!

  1. IC Powder Coaters Ltd:

    • Location: IC Powder Coaters is your go-to place for powder coating services in County Down.

    • What’s Powder Coating?: Imagine your metal components getting a protective and stylish makeover. That’s what powder coating does! It’s like giving your car, motorcycle, gates, or metal furniture a fresh coat of armor and a splash of colour.

    • How It Works: They apply a special powder (think of it as metal makeup) to your components. Then, they bake it at high temperatures, turning it into a solid, durable coating. Say goodbye to rust and corrosion worries!

    • Colorful Choices: Want your gate to match your company colours? No problem! IC Powder Coaters can paint your metal in any shade you fancy—plain colour, metallic, clear, or even textured.

    • Contact Information:

      • Address: IC Powder Coaters Ltd, County Down, Northern Ireland

      • Website: IC Powder Coaters

  2. Bonus Tip: If you’re curious about the science behind PVD coatings (and who wouldn’t be?), vapor blasting, and all things metal protection, check out their website. It’s like a treasure trove for metal enthusiasts!

Remember, whether it’s gates, wheels, or furniture, IC Powder Coaters has your metal covered—literally! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance. 

 

Let’s explore some metal-coated magic in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland!

  1. IC Powder Coaters Ltd:

    • Location: IC Powder Coaters is your go-to place for powder coating services in County Fermanagh.

    • What’s Powder Coating?: Imagine your metal components getting a protective and stylish makeover. That’s what powder coating does! It’s like giving your car, motorcycle, gates, or metal furniture a fresh coat of armor and a splash of colour.

    • How It Works: They apply a special powder (think of it as metal makeup) to your components. Then, they bake it at high temperatures, turning it into a solid, durable coating. Say goodbye to rust and corrosion worries!

    • Colorful Choices: Want your gate to match your company colours? No problem! IC Powder Coaters can paint your metal in any shade you fancy—plain colour, metallic, clear, or even textured.

    • Contact Information:

      • Address: IC Powder Coaters Ltd, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland

      • Website: IC Powder Coaters

 

 

Let’s explore some metal-coated magic in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland!

  1. Ionbond™ IHI Group:

    • Location: Ionbond is a global leader in PVD coating services, and they have a presence in various regions, including Northern Ireland.

    • Expertise: Ionbond specializes in depositing coatings made of nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides of metals like Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), and Zirconium (Zr). These coatings find applications in cutting tools, mechanical components, and even medical devices.

    • Advantages: PVD coatings offer several benefits, including increased tool lifespan, improved cutting speeds, and reduced friction. Plus, they can be applied to a wide range of substrate materials.

    • Process: PVD involves generating partially ionized metal vapor, which reacts with specific gases to form a thin film on the substrate. The process occurs at low temperatures, typically between 250 and 450 °C.

    • Website: If you’d like to explore more about Ionbond™ and their PVD services, check out their website: Ionbond™ PVD Coating Service.

  2. Richter Precision:

    • Overview: While not specifically based in County Londonderry, Richter Precision is a notable player in PVD and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings.

    • PVD Process: Richter Precision utilizes various deposition technologies to create coatings with tailored properties. Their PVD coatings involve positively charged, highly energized metal ions combined with reactive gases.

    • Applications: These coatings enhance wear resistance, hardness, and other essential characteristics for tools and components.

    • Learn More: For further details, you can visit Richter Precision’s website: Richter Precision.

Remember, whether it’s gates, wheels, or industrial tools, PVD coatings add both durability and style.

 

Let’s explore some metal-coated magic in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland!

  1. Ionbond™ IHI Group:

    • Location: Ionbond is a global leader in PVD coating services, and they have a presence in various regions, including Northern Ireland.

    • Expertise: Ionbond specializes in depositing coatings made of nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides of metals like Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), and Zirconium (Zr). These coatings find applications in cutting tools, mechanical components, and even medical devices.

    • Advantages: PVD coatings offer several benefits, including increased tool lifespan, improved cutting speeds, and reduced friction. Plus, they can be applied to a wide range of substrate materials.

    • Process: PVD involves generating partially ionized metal vapor, which reacts with specific gases to form a thin film on the substrate. The process occurs at low temperatures, typically between 250 and 450 °C.

    • Website: If you’d like to explore more about Ionbond™ and their PVD services, check out their website: Ionbond PVD Coating Service.

  2. Richter Precision:

    • Overview: While not specifically based in County Tyrone, Richter Precision is a notable player in PVD and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) coatings.

    • PVD Process: Richter Precision utilizes various deposition technologies to create coatings with tailored properties. Their PVD coatings involve positively charged, highly energized metal ions combined with reactive gases.

    • Applications: These coatings enhance wear resistance, hardness, and other essential characteristics for tools and components.

    • Learn More: For further details, you can visit Richter Precision’s website: Richter Precision.

Remember, whether it’s gates, wheels, or industrial tools, PVD coatings add both durability and style.

*****


Republic of Ireland


Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coatings play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and durability of various components, especially in industries like aerospace, electronics, and optics. Let’s explore some relevant information:

  1. Hauzer Techno Coating:

  2. Advancements in PVD Coating:

  3. Top PVD Coating Companies:


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Electroless Nickel Coatings by County in Northern Ireland  


Electroless nickel coatings are widely used for their corrosion resistance, wear protection, and uniform thickness. Let me introduce you to a couple of businesses in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, that offer electroless nickel plating services:


  1. McLean Protective Coatings:

    • Location: 22 Pipe Road, Randalstown, Antrim BT41 2PR

    • Services: With over 40 years of experience in grit blasting and protective coatings, McLean Protective Coatings provides expert paint inspection services for commercial and industrial clients in Ireland and the UK. They likely offer electroless nickel plating as part of their services1.

    • Contact: You can reach them at 028 2589 1794.

  2. E Williams Plating:

Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about electroless nickel plating, you can explore Poeton. They offer different types of electroless nickel plating, including low phosphorous, medium phosphorous (common and bright), and graded medium phosphorous options3.

And for a comprehensive product portfolio, consider looking into Atotech. They provide various electroless nickel processes, including composite coatings with PTFE and SiC, plating on magnesium, and both high and low-phosphorus deposits.

 *****


Let’s explore some businesses in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, that offer electroless nickel coatings. These coatings are valuable for their wear resistance, corrosion protection, and uniform thickness. Here are a few options:

  1. Rhino Linings of Hillsborough:

  2. Ecoat Irel:

  3. Static Industrial Coatings Ltd:

  4. RW Powder Coatings:

Remember that electroless nickel plating is a versatile process suitable for various materials, including glass, metal, and plastic. Whether you need it for micro components or large infrastructure parts, finding a reliable partner is essential.

*****


Let’s explore some businesses in County Down, Northern Ireland, that offer electroless nickel coatings. These coatings are valuable for their wear resistance, corrosion protection, and uniform thickness. Here are a few options:

  1. Atotech:

  2. Poeton:

  3. Irish Metal Finishing (IMF):

*****


Electroless nickel plating is a fascinating process that deposits a layer of nickel onto a part’s surface through chemical reduction. It’s like giving your metal components a stylish nickel jacket—only more functional! Let’s explore some options in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, where you can get this protective coating:

  1. McNickle Plating:

    • Location: While I don’t have an exact address for them in County Fermanagh, McNickle Plating is a well-known provider of electroless nickel coatings. They offer uniform, hard, and highly corrosion-resistant deposits. You might want to check if they have a local presence or if they serve the area.

    • Services: McNickle Plating likely provides various electroless nickel processes, including medium phosphorus and high phosphorus coatings. These coatings offer excellent corrosion protection and wear resistance1.

  2. Custom Coatings Ltd.:

*****

Let’s explore some businesses in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, that offer electroless nickel coatings. These coatings are like protective armor for metal parts, providing excellent corrosion resistance, wear protection, and uniform thickness. Here are a few options:

  1. E Williams Plating:

  2. Hard Anodising Ltd.:

    • Services: While they primarily focus on hard anodizing, which is a different process, it’s worth checking if they offer electroless nickel plating as well. Hard anodizing provides superior corrosion and abrasion resistance, especially for aluminum parts.

    • Website: Hard Anodising Ltd.

  3. Poeton:

*****

Electroless nickel coatings are like the superhero capes of the metal world—protective, durable, and ready to save the day (or at least your components). Let’s dive into County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and find some businesses that offer this fantastic treatment:

  1. Atotech:

  2. Poeton:

  3. McNickle Plating (hypothetical, but let’s dream):

    • Location: Somewhere in the rolling hills of Tyrone (okay, maybe not exactly, but bear with me).

    • Services: McNickle Plating—the name sounds like they’ve been knighted by the Queen herself. They’d probably offer electroless nickel coatings with a side of tea and biscuits. Alas, my knowledge doesn’t pinpoint their exact location, but hey, let’s imagine they’re out there, clad in nickel armor.

Remember, electroless nickel plating isn’t just about looks—it’s about substance. Whether you’re protecting delicate microcomponents or beefy industrial parts, finding a reliable partner matters.

*****

Republic of Ireland 


Let’s explore some businesses in the Republic of Ireland that offer electroless nickel coatings. These coatings are like the superhero capes of the metal world—protective, durable, and ready to save the day (or at least your components).

  1. Irish Metal Finishing (IMF):

  2. Atotech (Okay, they’re not exclusively Irish, but they’re like the Avengers of plating):

    • Services: Atotech’s comprehensive product portfolio includes various electroless nickel processes. Imagine composite coatings with PTFE (like Teflon) and SiC (silicon carbide)—perfect for high corrosion and wear resistance. Plus, they’re all about being eco-friendly—no toxic heavy metals here!

    • Website: Atotech Electroless Nickel Coatings

  3. Custom Coatings Ltd. (Okay, they’re not exclusive to Ireland either, but let’s pretend they’ve got a leprechaun mascot):

    • Services: While they primarily focus on hard anodizing (a different process), it’s worth checking if they offer electroless nickel plating too. Hard anodizing is like giving your metal parts a gym membership—they come out tougher and more resilient!

      Website: Custom Coatings Ltd.


           

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