Alloy wheels: is chrome plated or anodized better?

Q. Hello to all. I own a plating workshop in KSA. I'd like to expand the operation to include chrome plating of wheels.
Process so far is
1. Ultrasonic cleaning .
2. Rinse
3. Etch, rinse
4. Desmut in 30% nitric, 2% H2SO4 and 120 g/liter of ammonium bifluoride for the silicon, rinse
5. Double zincate.
6. Electroless nickel strike

Then usual acid copper and so on.
Please let me know if there are changes that can be made to improve result.

omar
- Saudi Arabia , Riyadh
July 31, 2024

A. Hi Omar,
Your process sequence sounds good to me.
I doubt that you can attractively anodize cast aluminum wheels -- I think they will be dull, gray, and splotchy.
Luck & Regards,

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

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