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Plating on Plastics
High-performing, Environmentally-friendly Metal Plating on Plastic Surfaces
DuPont’s decades of expertise in surface preparation and investment in novel technology enable the development of value-added products and processes for plating of plastics.
We understand the evolving environmental restrictions and provide plating solutions that are free from hexavalent chromium and other toxic or regulated substances.
Choose from a full complement of plating chemistries for a complete plating-on-plastics solution:
- Adhesion promotion, including chrome-free etching
- High-performance colloidal catalysts for selective or full-part plating
- Stable electroless copper and nickel, including ammonia-free and formaldehyde-free options
- Acid copper with high throwing power for improved performance and reduced cost
Choose DuPont as your materials solutions partner to:
- Improve process yield on your most complex designs
- Improve your environmental footprint by removing or reducing toxic substances
- Reduce your cost of ownership
Pre-Treatment
Preparation of the base plastic for optimal coverage and adhesion provides the basis for subsequent performance of the plated article
DuPont’s expertise in high performance colloidal catalysts and stable electroless copper and nickel provide high yielding pre-treatment of ABS and ABS-PC blends. Other polymers, such as PA are also plateable using the unique Addiposit™ plating process.
Meanwhile, in response to the regulatory changes affecting the plating on plastic (POP) industry, DuPont has developed Ecoposit™ CF-800 chromium-free etch (CFE) and the related pre-treatment. Our customers who plate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) as part of their POP manufacturing work flow now have a way to eliminate the use of hexavalent chromium to comply to Reach.
Electroplate (Copper, Nickel, Chromium)
Electrodeposited copper provides the strength and levelling of the substrate onto which nickel and chrome provide the subsequent corrosion protection and decorative finish
- Copper Gleam™ DL-900 Bright Copper
- Copper Gleam™ HGX Bright Copper
- Nickel Gleam™ SB-200 Semi-Bright Nickel
- Nickel Gleam™ BR-220 Bright Nickel
- Chrome Gleam™ 3C Trivalent White Chromium.
- Chrome Gleam™ 3C Jet Trivalent Dark Chromium
- Chrome Gleam™ Post Dip
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What is Plating on Plastics?
Injection-molded parts are processed through the “POP” process using etching for adhesion promotion, followed by catalytic deposition of nickel or copper to make the part conductive. The part is then finished with electrolytic copper, nickel, and chromium to provide the desired strength, appearance, and corrosion performance.
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Combining Decorative and Functional
Applications as varied as automobiles, home appliances, sanitary ware, and beauty products rely on chromium finishes to create an attractive, durable, and corrosion-resistant finish on plastic parts. The requirements of the end application for the part will determine the optimum base materials, metal type, and plating thickness, which in turn defines the process and performance.