A: YES – We do accept walk-in customers. If you need a quote on a job, it is a good idea to bring the actual item(s) with you so we can properly evaluate the parts and give you an accurate estimate as to the time and cost.

A: We accept all major credit cards; MasterCard, VISA, Discover, AmEx. — Credit cards are the preferred method for C.O.D. orders; however, we also accept company and/or personal checks, and cash. Most customers prefer the convenience of using their credit cards.

A: Best to email us an RFQ with a description of what you need done, with photos and/or CAD drawings, if available; You can email your quote request to CustomerService@ReliablePlatingCT.com or call us during business hours, at (203) 366-5261.

A: Typically, customers drop their parts off at Reliable. If you are local, stop by!

Otherwise, you can have your parts shipped to Reliable via UPS or FedEx. Palleted jobs or other freight shipments can go directly to our “Shipping and Receiving” bay on the Connecticut Avenue side of our building, and where we have forklift access to assist with unloading.

A: Yes, many of our industrial customers specify a “MIL-SPEC” on their part orders. Certifications are printed at time of shipping showing that the work was done to the required specification.

A: Reliable offers (5) five standard anodize colors.

In addition to clear anodize, our standard colors are black,  red, green, blue, and gold.

Typically anodizing is done on aluminum alloys and creates a very hard, corrosion-resistant finish on the surface of the aluminum. During the anodizing process, the coating can be dyed various colors.

All anodizing offers excellent corrosion protection and a durable, decorative finish. So, if you have custom color needs such as aqua, purple or orange, call us at (203) 366-5261, we may be able to help depending on the job.

A: THE HAND RACKING PROCESS is a critical factor in achieving high-quality and uniform electroplating results, especially for parts with complex geometries or specific plating requirements. Here are several more benefits of why we do it:

1. Precision and Control: Hand racking allows for precise placement of parts, ensuring that each piece is optimally positioned for uniform metal deposition.
   
   
2. Accessibility: By manually arranging parts, technicians can ensure that the plating solution has unobstructed access to all surfaces, including intricate or complex geometries.
   
   
3. Customization: Hand racking can be tailored to the specific requirements of different parts, accommodating various shapes and sizes. This is particularly important for proper contact points when masking is involved.
   
   
4. Efficiency: Although initially it may be more labor-intensive, hand racking can maximize throughput by allowing for the simultaneous plating of multiple items. This is especially important for our industrial customers, where large batches of different parts need to be processed.
   
   
5. Quality Maintenance: Proper hand racking ensures stable electrical contact and prevents movement during the plating process.

A: Electropolishing stainless steel offers several benefits beyond aesthetic appeal: (Here’s four key reasons)

1. Improved Corrosion Resistance: Electropolishing removes surface contaminants and embedded particles, enhancing the chromium/nickel content on the surface.
   
   
2. Enhanced Surface Finish: The process smooths out micro-peaks and valleys, resulting in a smoother, more reflective surface reducing friction, making it easier to clean and sterilize.
   
   
3. Deburring: Electropolishing effectively removes burrs and sharp edges from metal parts.
   
   
4. Ease of Cleaning: The smoother surface finish makes it easier to clean and maintain, which is especially beneficial in industries like food and beverage, medical, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Electropolishing is used extensively in medical, military, clean room applications, food service and production, and aeronautics and space manufacturing.

A: Black Oxide coating is primarily used to enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of ferrous metal parts while also improving their appearance. The process involves a chemical reaction that converts the surface of the metal into a thin layer of magnetite (Fe3O4), resulting in a sleek, semi-matte black finish.

Black oxide has many industrial and commercial uses. The oxidizing process is also quick and affordable, compared to some other finishing techniques. The anticorrosion properties can be enhanced further by coating parts with a heavy or light oils or wax.

Here are some common applications:

1. Automotive and Aerospace: It is used on various components to protect against corrosion and wear.
2. Firearms: The coating provides a non-reflective, durable finish (bluing).
3. Tools and Fasteners: It improves grip and durability without significantly altering the dimensions of the parts. Often used on impact tools for safety because it doesn’t have the potential to peel or flake off.
4. Electronics: Used for its aesthetic appeal and protective properties.

A: Reliable does not do brass plating at this time, nor do we do precious metal plating, such as gold or silver. 

We do, however, have a talented polishing department where we can polish and buff SOLID brass, copper, or stainless components (and many other metals) –restoring them back to their original, shiny mirror or satin finish.

How can you tell if your part is “solid brass”, or “brass plated steel”? Simply test by using a magnet… If the “brass” is magnetic, it IS NOT solid brass and is likely a “brass plated” steel item. (Solid brass items are not magnetic.) 

A: Reliable does not polish automotive wheels, nor do we chrome plate them. There are companies out there that specialize in automobile wheel repair and refinishing, and have the specialized equipment required to do so.

A: We do not do powder coating in-house; We do work with local powder coaters when it is required as a component of a customer’s job. We are happy to recommend one.