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Silver (Ag) plating on ABS - Best method

What is the best method for coating abs discs in silver we, have about 500 a day to plate. We have been told maybe electroforming but this seems a lengthy process. Can anyone suggest the best way to do this please?

David Dunkling
product designer - Peterborough, United Kingdom
October 6, 2008

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First of two simultaneous responses --

It depends on what you need it to do. Stamping a disk and gluing it to the ABS would be cheaper. If it is just for color, you might want to look at PVD coating. Plating on plastic is greatly more difficult than plating on metal, so I would use a quality experienced shop. Note that there are plating grades of ABS and grades that are very difficult to plate.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
October 8, 2008

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Hello David,
Plating on ABS substrates is detailed and involves learning curves. I would leave it to the experts to guide you along. There are suppliers who specialize in providing you with the proper chemicals to get the job done right. They should have good technical service to assist you as well. This is the best advice I can give you. Good luck in your new venture.

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
October 8, 2008