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CASS Test Fail of ABS Plated Part

I am not so familiar with plastic Plating Process. We are developing an ABS (Ge MG37EP)plated RR view Mirror Cover and we are facing corrosion problems with CASS test. We are using 20 microns layer of Copper ; 10 microns layer of Nickel (Bright and Semi-Bright) and 0,15 microns layer of Chromium (Microporous kind). We tried to increase the microporosity density up to 46.000/cm2, but it still fails. After a 30 hours CASS test (ASTM B368 ) many corrosion points appears at part surface and not rarely can reach the ABS. Someone has any opinion about what should we try?

Luis Fernando
Automotive Product Engineer - São Paulo, Brazil
2004

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Hello Luis. "High Quality Copper-Nickel-Chromium Plating on Plastics: A Continuous Process and its Challenges" by J.R. Arnold in the Jan. 2004 issue of Plating and Surface finishing gives an overview of everything needed for quality chrome plating of plastics, including the layer thicknesses spec'd by the various auto companies. Best of luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2004

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