Letter 28509

Alternative to satin chrome plating zinc components wanted  

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We manufacture zinc diecast furniture hardware which we have satin chromed. This is an expensive process in New Zealand and we were wondering if there is any cheaper alternative. I have heard that a simlar finish is flash plating with silver - I don't know much about it. The zinc shiny keyrings seem to have a similar finish to satin chrome. Can anyone help?

Neville Waisbrod
Furniture Hardware manufacturer - Wellington, Mt Victoria, New Zealand

Neville,

There are no viable alternatives for Satin Nickel. If you switch to Bright Nickel it may not meet your needs, even if its cheaper. Silver plate costs more than Nickel or satin Nickel.. I suggest you look for another plating outsource if you feel the present one is becoming un affordable. A number of US companies buy fully finshed products from China or India, if that works for you ?? The third alternative is to set up a Plating shop if your volumes justify such a move. Or just continue to bear up.

Regards,

Asif Nurie Atlanta Global Limited New Delhi, India

I know that Imitation jewelry mfrs were using regular Nickel baths sans brightener, only levelling agents, before the true pearl sheen satin baths became popular. They are comparatively cheaper to run. We also get by with using the sulphur free Nickel baths for some parts on which customers want a matte satin like finish, without all the headaches of satin nickel.

Khozema Vahanwala Saify Ind   Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Have you considered bead blasting the zinc and then electrophoretic clear lacquer. We do this for a furniture manufacturer.

Gordon Panter
- Sheffield, England

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