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Start-up information for plating on plastics

I am trying to start up a small job shop for electroplating plastics, primarily styrene. I would like as much information as I can get on what type of machinery, coatings, consumables I may need and where to obtain them.

Thank you,

Michael Hoover
- Toledo, Ohio
2003

I would suggest that you join the American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers Society and start attending meetings, Michael. Sign up for a few periodicals like Metal Finishing, Plating & Surface Finishing, and "Products Finishing". Obtain a couple of the plating books listed at finishing.com/books. Then sign up for a training course at AESF or Kushner Electroplating School.

Also hire at least one experienced plater before you commit to anything else. It is possible that, with the help of an experienced plater in your employ, and temporary services from a plating consultant or capable supplier, that you can enter this highly regulated business with no experience while avoiding trouble, but it's not dead easy. Good luck!

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

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