No registration or passwords; no pop-up ads -- just aloha, fun, & answers.
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate earns from qualifying purchases).
Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Advertise
 
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

High cost of chrome plating of my motorcycle & auto parts





So far the only quotes that I have received for chrome plating are 2-3 times the cost of new parts (ridiculous isn't it). If anyone has any info they can pass along to me about this please reply. thanks much!

Tracy P [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
USAF - Patrick AFB FL
1999


Hi Tracy,

We in the plating industry understand and apologize for your frustration! But the unfortunate reality is that getting parts replated will sometimes cost 2-3 times the cost of new parts even if you are dealing with scrupulously honest people operating on thin margins.

The main cost for almost anything you buy is labor. When your parts were originally made, hundreds of identical parts were plated each hour with automated equipment built specifically for the purpose, and hundreds of parts were produced with one hour's labor.

Chrome plating involves a dozen steps or more [please see our FAQ: Intro to Chrome Plating], and for your rework parts none of the steps will be automated. Even if you have just a couple of parts, they are easily going to cost a few hours labor, maybe more. What would your mechanic or plumber charge you for the same amount of time? -- and s/he doesn't have the onerous environmental/disposal issues that plating shops face.

If you have a heirloom, an item that you cherish, or an irreplaceable part of special dimensions, it can certainly be replated. But if you have an easily replaceable mass produced item, it often doesn't make economic sense to have an old one replated! Sorry.

Ted Mooney, finishing.com
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
1999




(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"