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Electroplate on plastic with masking

I would like to electroplate (chrome or nickel) a clear plastic part (injection molded)and mask off a section of it in order to see through a portion of the part. The plated portion of the part must be heat resistant (radiant heat) and highly abrasion resistant. Vacuum metallizing does not provide enough abrasion resistance. The plastic would have to not melt below 300 deg F. Can such a part be made? This part is for a high tech camera.

John King
- Cynthiana, Kentucky
2001

John,

The surface can be plated with electroless nickel, following the previous steps of etching (depending of the particular plastic involved), activation with SnCl2 and PdCl2. Nickel electroless has abrasion resistance and enough hardness. The surface can be masked with stop-off lacquers or PVC tape.

Good luck,

Carlos Olcese
- Bariloche, Argentina
2001