Benefits of Plating on Plastics Rapid Prototype

Electroplating is the process of depositing dissolved ions of one metal onto the surface of another metal. Plastic plating is commonly used in many industries for corrosion and wear protection, increasing surface hardness, promoting electrical conductivity, or improving the appearance of a part or component. Plating metal onto plastic is now a widely accepted industrial practice that offers several crucial benefits for manufacturers everywhere.

The Electroplating Process

Surface preparation is critical in obtaining sufficient adhesion of the desired metallic coating. To provide a workable surface area, you have to chemically clean the material and strip surface contaminants in exposed areas in a series of closely monitored chemical baths.

The workpiece is then autocatalyzed with high-purity noble metals, culminating with the last autocatalytic layer of Electroless Copper. Then, a layer of pure electrolytic copper metal is deposited across the exposed surface(s) of the plastic workpiece. Depending upon the form, fit, and function of the part, Electrolytic Copper can be the final metallic layer or the under-plating for additional metals.

In many plastic plating applications, it is necessary to apply an undercoat onto the plastic substrate before electroplating to build thickness and promote proper bonding of the coating. And electroless plating is to realize the task. Electroless plating differs from electroplating in that Electroless plating uses no electrical current to deposit the coating. Instead, deposition occurs via an autocatalytic chemical reaction. Nickel and copper are the two most frequently used metals for electroless plating, although techniques for gold and tin are also available.

Types of Plastic Plating Materials

Many of these materials are classified as thermoplastics, which means they become moldable when heated above a temperature, and then they solidify upon cooling. Using our multi-step process, we can apply metal plating to:

ABS, PC, PA,
SLA resin
and other plastics

The Benefits of Plastic Plating

The increasing popularity of plastics and plastic composites in different manufacturing processes has also led to a greater demand for plating on plastic. Plating plastic with a metal surface enhances the appearance of the material and creates the impression of higher quality. As a result, it is the ideal selection when you desire a highly decorative look is desired.

Additionally, plating on plastic can be an effective means of protecting a substrate against the forces of corrosion and make it more resistant to damage from chemicals used in the manufacturing process. In some instances, plating on plastic can increase the strength and wear resistance of the substrate.

Alongside appearance, plating onto plastic offers several other benefits for the item’s physical characteristics:

Corrosion and Chemical Resistance

Plating on plastic can be an effective means of protecting a substrate against the forces of corrosion and making it more resistant to damage from chemicals used in the manufacturing process.

Increased Conductivity

Electroplating can also give a non-conductive plastic surface the ability to conduct electricity. It is a property that is invaluable to the manufacturers of electronic parts and components used in automobiles, aircraft, and other products. A metal coating can also reflect potentially damaging light away from the surface of a plastic substrate and serve as a protective barrier against harmful gases and corrosion. Additionally, metallization can help to control the dissipation of energy.

Increased Structural Strength

Electroplating can improve a part’s overall structural strength for durability. This added strength is one of the top benefits of electroplating onto plastic. If strength is your goal, nickel plating can be a good choice since nickel can resist corrosion and improve the lifespan of products.

Stable and Low Contact Resistance

In addition to corrosion resistance, plating can also reduce contact resistance, so you can increase the part’s resistance to wear, chemicals, and corrosion.

Plating onto plastic is a great way to add durability in different environments. It offers protection for everyday wear from contact, as well as more robust defenses against chemicals and interference. Meanwhile, structural integrity is a significant advantage in many applications, and adding conductivity to plastic is a great way to increase the design flexibility of a part while maintaining the cost-effective nature of plastic construction.

WKproto offers 3D printing services and plating services to our customers. If you need plating your items, contact us now!