Plating on Plastics

 
 
 

Plating on Plastics

Sustainable solutions for Plastic Metallization

 
 
 

Ecoposit™ Plastic Metallization - A sustainable future for plastic plating

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 Ecoposit™ XF-1000 Formaldehyde Free Electroless Copper. 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

  • Ecoposit™ 95HT Low Stress, High Throw Copper
 
 
 
  • 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.

  • 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.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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