Plating

A metallic layer electroplated onto a plastic part's surface for conductivity, corrosion resistance, or a premium finish.

What is Plating?

A metallic layer, typically chrome, nickel, or copper, electroplated onto a plastic part's surface for a metallic look, added conductivity, or corrosion resistance.

How it works

The plastic surface is first chemically etched and seeded with a conductive layer through electroless plating, then built up with standard electroplating, since plastic itself won't conduct current the way metal does.

Benefits

  • True metallic appearance and feel at a fraction of the weight and cost of a machined metal part
  • Adds conductivity or EMI shielding
  • Improves surface hardness and wear resistance over bare plastic

Applications

Automotive trim and badging, plumbing fixture components, decorative hardware, and connector shells needing a metallic finish without machining metal.

Plating example

Applicable Materials

ABS and ABS blends plate most reliably; other resins are plateable case by case. Full applicable-materials list and options are confirmed per order — see the Injection Molding page →

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