The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

What causes blisters in chrome plated plastic parts

Hello!
Could you help me with this problem.
Our factory makes chrome plated plastic auto parts.
We are having blister! And all defected details are from one of series of production. But we are in trouble to find out, what is the cause of that.
We tried to re-cause blister by: 1) chemical attack, include acid rain exposure; 2) by moisturizing parts; 3) undried resin before molding.
Could you help us to understand causes of blister?

Rafael Islamov
Quality Manager - Tainan, Taiwan
March 29, 2010

---

March 30, 2010

Hi, Rafael. Blisters are not caused by chemical attack; rather, they indicate lack of adhesion. So the first thing to do is to remove a blister and examine its underside, and whatever is left on the plastic underneath the blister so you know at what step the problem occurred.

Regards,

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

---

March 30, 2010

Thanks a lot!
Yes, we came to conclusion, that the adhesion is the issue. In the peel tests we have peel strength about 2.0 - 3.5 lbs in 90 degree peel tests. It's not enough, as we know that 5 lbs minimum is required. Could you help us to improve adhesion?
Thank you again!

Rafael Islamov
- Tainan, Taiwan