Summary for chrome plating apparatus Discussion
Chrome plating apparatus is the focus of a question from Mats Broberg in Sweden, who asked for companies that make smaller chrome plating equipment for copper engraving and etching plates up to about 15 x 20 inches, especially for print runs over 300-400 copies. Jim Watts said he was only partly familiar with the application and doubted chrome would be ideal because its very smooth surface may not hold ink evenly; he suggested iron plating had been used for a similar purpose, though he was unsure in this case. A later reply advised that a custom-built system may not be necessary: a small self-standing polyethylene or polypropylene tank should be enough, since chrome plating is relatively simple equipment-wise. That answerer said chrome plating is common in rotogravure for very high impression counts, recommended thicker deposits for long runs, and suggested a fluoride chrome bath to help coverage in pits and grooves. He also noted iron plating is not common.
Q. Hello!
Does anyone know any companies who manufacture smaller chrome plating apparatuses? I have found one [Cronite Co., Parsippany, NJ ] but I was wondering if there are anyone else. I need one to plate copperplates of engravings/etchings when print runs exceed 300-400 copies. Maximum plate size 15 x 20″ or so.
In Sweden, regulations are strong, but not as strong as in US, apparently, so it is feasible,
Mats Broberg
– SWEDEN
1999
I am only partially familiar with your use. I do not think that chrome is a viable candidate for plating copper as is is so smooth that it will not hold ink evenly. It will tend to ball up like a water drop on a highly polished hood of a car. One lady that I worked with recently was using iron plating for exactly what you described. Am I wrong in your case? Jim
James Watts
– Navarre, Florida
1999
I would think that your best approach would to be to buy a small, self-standing polyethylene or polypropylene tank rather than a custom built system. Chrome plating is a relatively easy process and doesn’t take elaborate equipment.
Using chrome to plate copper printing plates is a very common practice in the rotogravure industry and done when they anticipate 1M impressions or more. Figure on putting on 0.001 to .015″ if you’re expecting some real high printings. The use of a fluoride chrome bath might be of good use to ensure plating down into the “pits” and “grooves” of your plates. Hope this is of some help. I was formerly a chrome plating sales/service specialist with Diamond Shamrock years ago and still work with platers on chrome problems. Don’t think I’d consider iron plating-not a very common plating medium. Best regards,
Bill Parthe
– Garrettsville, Ohio
1999