49642

Durability of Bright Dip anodizing vs Chrome Plating [North Carolina] 

August 10, 2008

I am starting a new company that will manufacture motorcycle grips. These are made of 6061 aluminum. I am looking for a bright and durable finish.

How durable is Bright Dip Anodizing versus Chrome Plating in an envrionment where they are handled on a daily basis? Are there any other options available?

Cost is not a concern.

Thank You.

Dave Nemergut
Product Desinger/Manufacturer - Lincolnton, NC, USA

Hi, Dave. If cost is not a concern, make them out of brass and chrome plate them :-)

Top quality chrome plating is a fabulous finish. Bright dip and anodize is a nice finish but it will be "white" whereas chrome is warmer and bluer. To my eye, aluminum, no matter how well done, looks cheaper. You might have some samples of each made and ask a few potential customers if they agree or disagree with my prejudice.

Since fingers are going to be on them, consider knurling them in some fashion so fingerprints will be less obvious than on flat expanses.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

Never a truer word! Nothing beats Chrome, I'd like to suggest Glass Bead Blasting as another option to knurling, it looks awesome after plating.

Khozema Vahanwala Automaxx   Bangalore, Karnataka, India