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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Want shiny alternative to chrome plating

1998

I am manufacturing (in China) a clamp (stainless steel) and a rack (rolled mild steel chrome plated). The rack fits inside the clamp.

I can't get hard chrome plating (the electroplaters can't provide this).

I tried zinc, but my customers prefer the shine of chrome.
Making the rack in Stainless Steel in expensive.

I need a coating that can be done is China, but looks good and provides corrosion resistance when used outside, in the sun, close to the harbour (in Hong Kong).

I thought of painting or coating zinc plate. Perhaps a hard plastic or epoxy coat would be good.

Suggestions?

Claudio Ferrero
- Hong Kong

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A couple of thoughts, there are different types of zinc plating, with a wide variety of "shine" to them. Typically acid chloride zinc is used as a "poor mans" chrome. I have also worked at a company which achieved quite a high "blue bright" zinc plate with a McGean Rohco alkaline zinc hybrid. The other thought would be electroless nickel, it is more expensive but is usually quoted by thickness and surface area and has corrosion resistance properties. One might be able to get a couple tenths plated (.0002 inch)at a fairly reasonable price. It will match the stainless clamp look better than zinc.

Ward Barcafer, CEF
aerospace - Wichita, Kansas
1998