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Triple Chrome Plating on Plastics Process
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...ie Gold,
Black Chrome, Satin Nickel, Black Nickel
and many others. This cannot be done
with spray chrome.
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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
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BaseCoat
Specially formulated basecoat offer
maxim adhesion to virtually any
substrate, while providing a high gloss
reactive surface to which any metal
spray bonds.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Vacuum Metalizing
Vacuum Metalizing takes place in a
vacuum chamber when a
pre-determined vacuum level is
reached. We then evaporate 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.
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The pictures 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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