| Triple Chrome Plating on Plastics Process |
| ZX14 Gas Tank Cover (SprayChrome) This Gas Tank cover was sent to us for rework to apply our REAL Triple Chrome process. The SprayChrome process is just a special high reflective paint with a clearcoat. These imitation Chrome finishes are not meant to tolerate normal wear from exposure to natural elements such as the sun. Even in the most perfect environment they will turn yellow or flake off within months. |
| Removing SprayChrome Using an orbital sander we can easily remove the spray chrome. Once removed the next step is our proprietary process for conductivity ( We do not use Conductive Copper or Silver Paints ) Conductive silver paint is used by other plating companies. This well known product is not suitable for large parts and has many negative possible outcomes, mainly de-lamination, blistering during Nickel plating or within a few months of chrome plating. (Click Here) |
| Copper Plating Process Several considerations have to be made before custom plating plastic, the type of plastic and flexibility. If parts don't retain there original shape during the copper plating process they will warp and there might be some difficulty in re-installing. Unlike plating copper on metal, plastic parts requires longer plating time for the process to work. For this reason the part will no longer have the feel of plastic and will be more rigid and heavier. |
| Polishing Copper on Plastic This process requires a high degree of polishing experience since one of the difficulties of polishing copper on plastics is heat and pressure. The lack of experience could result in blistering the of the part. Final finish has to be mirror like and perfect. |
| Final Copper mirror finish A clearcoat can also be applied for a Copper look. Once copper has been plated to plastic there are many other finishes that can be applied. Gold, Black Chrome, Satin Nickel, Black Nickel and many others. This cannot be done with spray chrome. |
| Nickel & Chrome Plating Nickel is the base metal for chrome. This process also requires experience since nickel baths are very sensitive to contamination. Unlike copper, nickel plating does not require long plating times. Once the part has been nickel plated and rinsed, it is chromed immediately. |
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| SprayChrome Process |
| BaseCoat Specially formulated basecoat offer maxim adhesion to virtually any substrate, while providing a high gloss reactive surface to which any metal spray bonds. |
| Metal Spray Two water-base solutions are sprayed at the same time through a specialized dual-nozzel spray gun. The solutions mix and react directly in front of the spray gun's nozzels. The reaction creates a fine mist of real silver that deposits a mirror reflection over the base coat. |
| Topcoat A clear, protective coating is applied over the entire reflective surface. Transparent colors can be added to the top coat to achieve a spectrum of customizing colors. |
| The pictures above are from a company that sells the spray chrome process and illustrates the difference between real triple chrome plating on plastic and spray chrome. UEC, Inc. Does not offer this process. |
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| Vacuum Metalizing Process |
| Vacuum Metalizing Vacuum Metalizing takes place in a vacuum chamber when a pre-determined vacuum level is reached 99.5% pure aluminum which condenses on the parts at a regular rate and very even distribution. Upon completion of the metalizing process the chamber is returned to atmosphere and the parts are unloaded by hand. |
| Top Coating When it is required, a water-clear topcoat is applied to enhance abrasion and chemical resistance. Dye may be added to the topcoat in order to produce a colored metallic finish. The topcoats are applied in the same manner as our basecoats, High Volume Low Pressure spray guns (HVLP) in either hand-spray, automated spray, or robotic spray booths. |
| Base Coating Vacuum metalized finishing often includes the application of a specially formulated paint as a basecoat to promote adhesion and to provide a smooth surface, assuring maximum brightness and luster. All coatings are applied by High Volume Low Pressure spray guns (HVLP) in either hand-spray, automated spray, or robotic spray booth. |
| The pictures and info above are from a company that does Vacuum Metalizing and like spray chrome this is another alternative to actual Triple Chrome Plating on plastics. UEC, Inc. Does not offer this process. |
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