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-----Need advice on new market
I run a small hard chrome job shop in the northeastern U.S. We mainly cater to the plastic injection and mold making industry along with the plating of dies, jigs, and fixtures. I have recently been asked by several of my existing customers, that also produce zinc die-castings for the computer and electronic industry, to look into the possibility of barrel plating copper/nickel onto zinc die-cast. If we proceed with this course of expansion into copper/nickel, are there any products on the horizon that would make conventional copper/nickel barrel plating obsolete? Also, working closely with the tool & die industry and seeing their needs, with respect with tooling and high speed cutters, we thought a look needed to be taken in the direction of PVD coatings (TiN, Diamond coatings, etc.). Realizing that I'm not paying for this information, could you give me a vague insight into the amount of capitol investment needed for equipment for both copper/nickel and PVD and if existing markets look strong. Thank you,
Jim McBrideNortheastern U.S.
1999
Things going 'obsolete' is a pretty rare phenomenon that applies only when a watershed is crossed in a competing technology: e.g., electronic calculators replacing slide rules, transistors replacing vacuum tubes, automobiles replacing horses. I could foresee somewhat reduced need for copper-nickel plating of die-castings as the years wear on, but I don't see a breakthrough technology eliminating barrel plating.
You're 'not paying for this information'?! Where am I supposed to send the bill then?!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
The market for PVD is extremely strong and growing rapidly. However, a relatively small PVD chamber for coating tools and the like will run you $500,000. You can purchase equipment from China or Russia that is much less expensive, but I wouldn't recommend doing so. Their equipment isn't very reliable.
Jim Treglio - scwineryreview.com
PVD Consultant & Wine Lover
San Diego, California
1999
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