Production Chrome Electroplating on ABS Plastic

Production Chrome Electroplating on ABS Plastic

      In earlier years, components for cars and motorcycles were almost always made from metal, because consumers valued the bright, lustrous finish that metal could offer. However, these parts were not always ideal, as metal components were expensive, and added extra weight to the vehicle. Plastics have advantages over metals in some applications, particularly the automotive industry, because they are light and flexible, and easily fabricated; however, plastic cannot achieve the desired high-quality, lustrous finish of metal.

      It was discovered that electroplating would not only provide the desired aesthetic qualities, but also a similar ease of cleaning, and resistance to corrosion, that the solid metal pieces possessed. Thus, the finished components had all the advantageous qualities of both plastic and chrome.

      Many people think that electroplating is only possible with metals, and other electrically-conductive materials, but this is not true; almost any material can be electroplated (the methods differ for some types of plastic). The problem with electroplating plastics and organic materials is that they are not electrically conductive, so they can't be immersed in a normal plating solution and plated in the same way that metal objects can be.

      Before production methods for plating plastic were developed (along with special plastic materials for this purpose - called ABS plastic) the only way to circumvent this problem was to first deposit a film, made of a conductive material, which would adhere well to both layers, and which was electrically conductive.

Production Chrome Electroplating on ABS Plastic

      In a "production" environment, the current procedure for plating ABS plastics is to first etch the surface of the substrate using, among other things, a chromic acid solution, which provides good adhesion to the subsequent conductive layer.

      The surface of the substrate is then coated with a thick layer of copper, to compensate for the difference in thermal expansion between the plastic substrate and the metal coating. The copper is covered with another thick layer of nickel, which prevents corrosion of the copper undercoat; two layers can be used on parts that are intended for use in severe environments. Once the plastic substrate has undergone this process, it can then be plated with chrome, using conventional electroplating methods. 

       Auto accessories are shifted to the lab for various of examinations. The main examine items are auto accessory's plating thickness, CASS test (Copper Accelerated Acetic Acid Salt Spray), Thermal Cycle Test (Cold, Hot Test), Stone Chip Test (Gravelometer), Peel Test (Adhesion Test), Sulfate Test ,Painting Adhesion Test by Cross Hatch Test, etc.

       The automotive industry has been the largest consumer of electroplated plastics products, and since the mid-1970s, when the process of electrodepositing plastic was perfected, large areas of nickel and chromium plated plastic trim were appearing on vehicles.

       SHIZUN’s chrome car accessories ( e.g. door handle cover, mirror cover, front grille, fuel tank cover, head light cover, tail light cover, car window trim, pillar post trim) are designed using factory ODM parts to guarantee the best fit and finish; built from High Impact Triple Chrome Plated injection molded ABS plastic, Can reach OEM standard,32 hrs Salt Spray Testing time (not as 24hrs as usual) are performed to ensure quality, Quick and Easy installation with pre-attached 3M™ tape, No cutting or drilling required; SHIZUN’s chrome accessories have passed the Sample Installation Test and customer experience before being marketed.

For additional information please visit www.stormautoparts.com or E-mail stormautoparts@gmail.com  TEL: (86) 20-82259672

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