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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Electroplating aluminum v steel

2005

We are designing a product and have the option of proposing an aluminum extrusion or steel tube version.

The product will be offered in a number of the common electroplated finishes - could you
give me an indication as to the relative cost difference between the plating of the aluminum versus the steel option.

Thanks,

David Banham
Industrial designers - Leatherhead, UK

To plate aluminium with chrome will slightly cost more. The problem is to find a plater who plates tubes made of Al correctly over a long term.

Klaus-Martin Hentrich
- Velbert, NRW, Germany
2005

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2005

What kind of electroplating?
Aluminum can not be directly electroplated, it must be pre-treated, usually with a zincate. Steel can be electroplated directly with many types of coatings.
On the other hand, aluminum can be anodized in a rainbow of colors and steel can not.

Bill Grayson
metal finishing - San Jose, California, USA

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2005

Many thanks for your replies.

The three finishes we are interested in are - mirror polished chrome , satin chrome and polished brass. I have been told that I should allow about 10% extra for the finishing of the aluminium over the steel.

David Banham
- Leatherhead, Surrey, UK

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I suggest you contact the IMF or MFA in Birmingham and get a list of reputable platers in your area. Then put the jobs out to tender and see what is the better deal. There is no sense in speculating what the price difference will be because there are so many variables to take into account, including the distance you are going to transport your product to get it plated. Just get realistic pricings and then see what the differences are.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2005