Electroplating Technology

Take advantage of the full experience and expertise HDO offers your company in the field of electroplating!

As an expert in high-quality surface finishing for die-cast parts, HDO is a European leader in electroplating technology. We provide our customers with high-end finishing solutions tailored to a wide range of industry-specific requirements. With Europe’s largest fully automated zinc die casting electroplating facility and our in-house development facility (the HDO technical centre) we offer a uniquely broad range of electroplated colours and tailored-fit finishes. Our expertise is rooted both in process knowledge and long-standing experience, as well as in our commitment to continuous develpment, our understanding of design, and our passion for a perfect finish with every product.

Leading in decorative electroplating technology – industrial quality, continuously refined

HDO has been setting standards in electroplated surface finishing of metal components for years. With a fully automated production facility for zinc die-cast components and other materials such as brass, steel, and stainless steel – unique in size and performance across Europe – we guarantee the highest levels of product quality, process reliability, reproducibility, and scalability. From small batches to large-scale industrial production, our system delivers consistent excellence. The intelligent combination of functionality and aesthetics enables extraordinary design freedom. In close cooperation with our customers, we develop surfaces that meet technical requirements such as corrosion protection, mechanical durability, abrasion resistance, and food safety – while also achieving desired visual effects in gloss, texture, and colour.

HDO – your experts for custom electroplated surfaces

At HDO, electroplating is much more than a standard process. It’s the result of decades of experience, state-of-the-art surface technology, and customised development work. Our portfolio covers a wide range of electroplated surfaces – from classic high-gloss chrome to specialised colours:

Decorative and technical chrome plating, nickel plating, and copper plating
Satin chrome in various gloss levels
Electroplated colours according to specific customer requirements, e.g., 3Q7, Satin Chrome, Silvershadow, Alulook, and Galvano Silver
All colour tones also available as dark chrome variants such as Dark Chrome, Eclipse, Twilite, and Starlite
Micro-cracked or micro-porous chrome surfaces for increased corrosion protection available in all colours

We offer all chrome surfaces using both hexavalent chromium (Chrome VI) and trivalent chromium (Chrome III) processes. We hold long-term REACH authorisation for the Chrome VI process, providing customers – especially in the automotive and sanitary industries – with significant planning security. In addition, we meet the growing demand for Chrome VI-free alternatives and offer Chrome III coatings in all colour variations.
This variety makes us a trusted partner for many different industries – especially those where function and design go hand in hand, such as the automotive, home appliance, sanitary, and medical technology sectors.

Brilliance and individuality – custom colours from HDO

At our in-house HDO technical centre, our electroplating specialists continuously develop new colour tones and finishing options – in close coordination with designers, engineers, and quality managers on the customer side. The result: brand-defining surfaces in exactly the right colour tone, tailored specifically to the product and its intended application.
Examples like Dark Chrome or custom colours developed to meet automotive standards demonstrate HDO’s ability to combine technical requirements with brand-specific aesthetics. Whether glossy, matte, metallic, or coloured – every surface is developed and tested with the utmost care. In other words: We do not just apply a finish – we refine your product!

More than electroplating – innovative finishing for unique requirements

In addition to electroplated surfaces, HDO offers a wide range of additional processes. Depending on the product’s needs, they can be used either as complements or alternatives. These include for example:

Custom engraving – both embossed and recessed
Lasering and printing – precise and durable
The HDO Permanent Hygienic Application (PHA) for permanently germ-free surfaces

These technologies allow maximum design freedom and functionality – ideal for visible control elements or premium interior surfaces.
In cooperation with experienced partners, HDO also offers a variety of additional coating technologies – for components that must fulfil requirements other than purely metallic surfaces. These include wet painting, powder coating, cataphoretic painting, and PVD coating. The latter is applied after electroplating and relies on a high-quality electroplated base for decorative PVD surfaces. We also offer technical coatings such as passivation. With our in-house electroplating expertise and additional technologies from our partners, we are your full-service provider for innovative surface solutions or contract electroplating – with complete control over processes, quality, and timelines.

Our approach – technologically advanced, chemically innovative & environmentally responsible

HDO’s electroplating processes also stand out when it comes to sustainability. Our processes are designed to be resource-efficient and low-emission. Electroplating at HDO uses no organic solvents and produces no overspray, resulting in reduced environmental impact.
The finishes applied during electroplating are highly durable, odourless, easy to clean, and fully recyclable – in line with the principles of a circular economy. Our coatings are also diffusion sealed, meaning that neither gases nor liquids can penetrate or leak over years. Plus, our coated components release no microplastics into the environment – ideal for long-lasting products used daily or in technical applications.

HDO does not just deliver electroplated surfaces – we offer customised solutions for your products. With Europe’s largest rack electroplating facility for zinc die casting and other materials, an in-house technical centre for colour and process development, and a wide range of additional services, HDO is one of the market leaders of industrial surface finishing.
Our team converts metal components into high-quality, durable, and brand-defining surfaces.
Start benefiting from our technical expertise, design finesse, and unwavering focus on efficiency and sustainability – contact us today!