Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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What machine is used for chrome plating of plastic?

I am interested in starting up a small business, what I am trying to source right now is the type of machine used for chroming plastic or any types of materials especially for automobiles. Can any one offer advice/suggestions?

Derrick Lee
- Brunei Darussalam
2007

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There is probably a lot more to it that you thought, Derrick, but I suggest you start with the book "Standards and Guidelines for Electroplated Plastic". Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

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Hello viewers. I'm Aftab from Pakistan. I have a small business of motorcycle auto parts in lahore. Now I want to start chroming and electroplating plastic parts of motorcycle. So if you know some thing about it, help me, and give suggestions in this case.
thanks
Aftab hussain
auto sticker house - lahore , Pakistan
July 1, 2008

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Hi, Aftab. Please see our Introduction to Chrome Plating as a start. People will probably be happy to answer specific well-formed questions when you get to that point, but I think you'll need to start with some good books. Nobody will be able to distill this sort of knowledge down into a few paragraphs for a forum response. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
July , 2008

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February 27, 2009

Hi Ted,

I'm pondering upon conventional chrome electro-plating vs vacuum sputter coating, both produce good 'Mirror' finishing. But what would be the different in both process, chrome characteristics and cost? Is sputter coating another shiny paint? and what and which has more adverse environment impacts?

Thanks,

KoChen Chai
- Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

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Hi, KoChen. Sputtering is a vacuum metallization process, usually with aluminum. It's applicability depends upon the type of component, because it requires an organic topcoat over it whereas nickel-chrome plating is solid metal, so is far more durable. Most exterior brightwork on autos is real chrome plating; most sealed-away brightwork like within headlight enclosures is probably vacuum metallized.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 27, 2009