Is there a method to crome non-conductive materials?

http://www.siegelrobertautomotive.com/?utm_source=Yahoo&utm_medium=cpc

Thanks for the link, TVP45, I'll dig into it and I'll report feedback.

Inma

Automotive headlight focuses are very good examples.There are certain sensitising chemicals those activate the surface of plastic articles and make it conductive, after that they can be plated.

You can directly talk to plating salt manufacturer, they do normally offer consultancy for New customers.

Thanks a lot, Rakesh. It is a good idea. I'll share any good results I may get.

Regards,

Inma

The automotive industry, among others, has been doing this for years. They start with what is called platable grade plastics. Although not limited to pure ABS, I will use this as an example. You would start off with an etch bath that would remove the butadiene from the substrate. Too much is not good and the same goes for too little.

Then you deposit the metal.

This is an extremely over simplification of the process. The moldings can not have any stresses or moisture in them because the chrome will not adhere properly. The plating baths have to be well balanced for the same reason. Engineers work on the process for years and them are stumped some of the time. I would suggest that you contact a chemical company that specializes in providing the chemicals as a first step. One such company is called Atotech.

www.atotech.com

www.finishing.com/Chemicals/atotech.shtml

Good luck

Hi Plaasteek, thanks for the tip and the explanation with ilustrations, it helps a lot. Best regards,

Inma

cosmichrome, without exception.

I've check their website and it sounds great. I have to find out what mechanical-physical properties can it add to the plastic parts. Thanks a lot and regards,

Inma

yesssssss........any kind of electroplating can be done on plastic......the procedure is the same as it is done to other metals , but the current is generated less than material , and acids and chemichals are used dilute , i have plated my mobile phone body successfully , but it doesnt stay for long period like in metals ,..by the way what exactly you want be plated , are into manufacturing of toys or something....for more details mail me.....i hardly visit cr4.....

metalmasterengg@gmail.com.

Makers of the plastic car models do it all the time for bumpers, grills, mirrors, etc.

hello inmalazaro,

i worked in a glove factory. they made their own molds. the molds started as a rubber mold of a hand. they sprayed the rubber hand mold with alumninum spray paint. the aluminum paint is conductive. then proceeded to do normal electroplating. then pulled the rubber hand mold out. finsihed product was a chrome plated mold of a hand, that they could heat, dip in the liquid pe, drain, run thru the oven and mechanicly pull the plastic glove off.

good luck.

Hi Joe, this method sounds transferable to other sectors. Thanks for sharing the info. Best regards,

Inma

There is also a paint, which can be sprayed on plastic to look just like chrome, not cheap, but quick and very effective.