Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Twin Moulded Non Conducting Plastic Also Getting Plated.
We have received a twin material ABS - polycarbonate logo to be Satin nickel plated only on the grey ABS portion.
Our problem is that the blue polycarbonate, supposedly nonconducting material is also getting partially / fully covered with plating.
What are we doing wrong; is it the chromic acid etch, or the silver nitrate based activation or the electroless copper.
How can we avoid coating the blue polycarbonate ?
Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2000
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"Electroless Copper and Nickel-phosphorous Plating"
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Hi, KV.
I think the only real difference between ABS and polycarbonate from a plating perspective is that ABS etches better for better adhesion of the plating; there is nothing inherent in the polycarbonate that prevents it from becoming activated and getting plated. I haven't worked on a similar job, so I could be completely wrong, but I don't think you'll solve this problem through chemistry adjustments, but only by masking at some point.
But I am not familiar with silver nitrate being a part of an ABS plating cycle. As far as I know, you use palladium seed chemistry for electroless copper or nickel, not silver nitrate.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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