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-----Abrasion resistant Chrome platings on Plastic
We have a rotary component which undergoes high abrasion. At present it is made of Carbon Steel and then Chrome plated. We want to substitute it with Plastic. I have heard that plastic can also be chrome plated. Question is, can I substitute the metal substrate for a plastic substrate and hope to get the same levels of abrasion resistance?
Anand Patel- India
1999
Why don't you have a prototype made up from the plastic of your choice at some local machine shop, and send it to Associated Plating for chrome plating? Then have it tested in your laboratory.
I believe that you will get the same level of abrasion resistance as long as the chromium coating is not sheared from the plastic, or is flexed to the point of rupture. In other words, the underlying material must provide support for the chrome to do its job. The other problem would be that the normal adhesion values of the metallizing process have to be greater than the stresses developed in a hard chromium plate of whatever thickness.
How thick is the chromium plate on the present part? How about some of the newer composites as a structural base? Why the desire for substitution? Are you trying to reduce weight in the part? Regards, Tom
Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
1999
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