Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Help in chroming of abs plastic parts

Would be very interested to know the basic of setting up a small plating line to nickel chrome sanitary parts made in ABS plastic. Want to set up a line for my business. Currently a plastic injector. Beside the above do you have any idea if abs can be reinforced with other material so as to withstand pressure of 3 bar and also be able to be chromed .

Solomon [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
supplier of sanitary parts - Port Kelang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
2004

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Anything is possible, including your installing and operating a plating-on-plastics line, Solomon. But if someone asked you how to do injection molding (which is far less complicated than plating on plastic), how would you answer?

People can recommend books, or that you hire a plating consultant, but unfortunately it's unrealistic to try to explain how to plate on plastic in this format. Please take a look at our "must-have" booklist, and acquire a basic understanding of plating issues. Then get a guide to plating on plastics from www.mfsa.org. Then get back to us with anything that is confusing you or with specific questions. Thanks!

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004