Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Metal Plating Of Plastics

Does anybody know if it's possible to plate polyethylene products with a durable metallic looking coating? This is for commercial product applications so I am looking for something that will stand up to some abuse anyway, if this technology exists. Suppliers? Thanks for the help!

Mike Dalgren
- Winchester, Virginia
1999

Hi, Mike. If you are going to plate it, please give strong consideration to molding it out of ABS rather than polyethylene. Countless millions of automobile grills and similar parts are copper-nickel-chrome plated ABS. This plastic can be selectively etched, which gives it the tooth required for outstanding adhesion in the toughest conditions.

It's hard to find, but try to locate a copy of "Standards & Guidelines for Electroplated Plastics" as it will explain all. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 25, 2009

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