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Electroless copper plating on PVC pipe

April 10, 2010

Am design new antenna which uses PVC pipe as a substrate which must be completely Cu plated on the interior and a spiral geometry on the exterior of the pipe. Cannot seem to source any company that does PVC plastic Cu plating. Can anyone direct me in this manner to possible plater? I understand that initial Cu deposition must be electroless method.

Regards

Richard Ross
RF Antenna Designer Tampa, Florida

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April 14, 2010

PVC is very difficult if not impossible to etch chemically. It is highly corrosion resistant to most chemicals and hydrophobic, so, most platers will be reluctant to to guarantee results or even try. Have you considered ABS instead?

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico