Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest length you can polish?
We can polish up to 2 metres.
What is the longest length you can electroplate?
- For bright nickel, satin nickel and chrome 2 metres.
- For gold plating 1.5 metres.
- For electrophoretic lacquer finishes in simulated brass, gold, pewter and smoked chrome 600mm.
What is duplex nickel plating?
- It is a two stage nickel plating process. The first stage is a semi bright nickel and the second stage is either bright or satin nickel. The two deposits have different molecular structure and there is a “step” between the two.
- This process is generally used for high corrosion resistance when a component is used in an external or damp environment, such as marine or automotive.
- This process is the best protection for most base materials
What is the difference between satin chrome and bright chrome?
The nickel is either satin or bright, the chrome is the common process.
Why is chrome electroplated on top of nickel?
To prevent the nickel from tarnishing (or oxidising)
What is the difference between Trivalent and Hexavalent chrome?
The hexavalent process is harmful to the environment, from a health stand point it is more toxic of the two.
The trivalent is process is environmentally friendly.
There is no difference regarding the electroplated deposit which is a metal and does not contain hexavalent chrome, once the component is rinsed after plating.
Thicker deposits can be achieved with the hexavalent process due to the chemistry but this is an issue that will be resolved as the technology improves.
Can aluminium be electroplated?
Yes it can, the surface has to be etched to provide a key for a conversion coating to be applied, and then nickel or copper can be deposited onto the surface.
Can aluminium be electroplated with another base material?
No because the pre-treatment is different to brass, steel and zinc.
Can the electrophoretic lacquer process be used for external parts?
No the average thickness of the deposit is only 8 microns which is not sufficient for external use.
What is the ideal material for plating?
What is the average thickness of the plating?
Copper 8 microns, nickel 8 microns and chrome 0.1 – 0.5 microns.We can plate whatever thickness the customer requires or suggest what is beneficial for the environment the finished component is subjected to.
What is your lead time?
Normally 5 working days, but we try whenever possible to accommodate each customer’s request individually.
What is your process time?
Conventional chrome 2.5 hours. High specification chrome 24 hours. Electrophoretic lacquer 24 hours plus 24 hours minimum for coating to harden.
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