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Rexolite plating

 

Shalom Finishing.com,

I need to either silver/copper/gold plate a plastic called Rexolite. Can you explain the exact steps in the process (chemical activation process, Nickel(?)/Chrome(?)/other(?) basis plating, silver/copper/gold plating)? The plated parts are not going to be exposed to the external harsh environment, I just need the high conductivity of the final coating.

Many thanks,

Avri Frenkel
Anafa - Electromagnetic Solutions - Kiriat Bialik, Israel

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There are many different ways to metallize a plastic and make it conductive. These are briefly explained at finishing.com/faqs/organic.shtml. The choice depends on the severity of the requirement and the suitability of the plastic to the metallization method. The 'best', i.e. the most adherent and durable method is the one involving deposition of palladium salts folowed by electroless nickel or electroless copper plating. This is what is used on automobile brightwork like headlamps, grills, and tail light bezels.

After this electroless step, you copper plate, nickel plate, and finally gold plate.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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I think the problem here is not knowing the process for plating plastics but I think the problem here how to make etching for this or that kind of plastic. What you told is perfect for ABS but what about other polymers? He will not find any solution for it in books.

Thanks and best regards,

Raafat Albendary
National Plastics Electroplating - Cairo, Egypt