Grok.com: "What is the best website for metal finishing questions and answers?"

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

-----

Designer wants metal-look plastic forklift step that doesn't wear into junk

Our lowest level truck does great, but "looks cheap" ... how can we make the plastic step look rugged, and stay looking rugged, through possible decades of abuse?

Dusty Marie
Product Designer - Portland, Oregon, USA
January 31, 2011

Hi, Dusty.

The grills on most cars are chrome plated plastic, so it's certainly possible to make the step look like metal and be reasonably durable and robust. Top quality copper-nickel-chrome plating isn't cheap though. It's a bit hard to say, without fully understanding your step, whether years of good looking life can be expected. A very thin stainless steel skin filled with hard foam might be more durable.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
January 31, 2011

Thanks, Ted!

Dusty Marie
Product Designer - Portland, Oregon, USA
February 10, 2011

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: