Growel's Plating on Plastics

About Growel's Plating on Plastics

GROWELS SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFICULT-TO-PLATE SUBSTRATES

The applications for plating on plastics are endless, courtesy of the increasing industrial usage of plastic components. As manufacturers increasingly resort to ABS plastic plating for lighter, more corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective product parts, the future of plastic chrome plating is promising.

The automotive industry is the predominant user of electroplating on plastic, followed by domestic fittings (plumbing) and electrical/electronics.

AUTOMOTIVE:

In the auto industry, the largest application is nickel plating on plastic, used for decorative purposes to enhance the appearance of interior and exterior parts such as grilles, wheels, light bezels, emblems, gear shift knobs, door handles, and bumpers. In some instances, a chromium-nickel alloy is used instead of pure nickel. Chrome plating ABS plastic ensures durability and aesthetic appeal, making it a preferred choice for automotive components.

DOMESTIC FITTINGS:

The demand for brighter, shinier kitchens and bathrooms has led to increased use of chrome coating plastic products. While nickel plating plastic provides a sleek finish, a gold plating plastic layer over nickel creates an upscale, luxurious look. Gold plating on plastic ensures both durability and elegance in modern home interiors.

ELECTRONICS:

In decorative applications, silver plating plastic and chrome painting plastic enhance the appearance of plastic trims on computers and mobile phones, as well as control knobs, switches, and buttons on home electronics. The ABS electroplating process ensures a smooth, conductive surface for superior plating adhesion.

PROCESS AND FEATURES

Process	Features
CLEANING WITH GINPLAST CC 352 (POP)	Silicate-free, mildly alkaline soak cleaner for effective removal of soils and grease at lower concentration.
ETCHING WITH GINPLAST CONDITIONER 674 (POP)	Hex Chrome-based etchant to form micro-roughness on ABS chrome plating substrates for optimal adhesion.
GINPLAST MF FUME SUPPRESSANT (POP)	Solvent-free wetting agent designed to reduce surface tension in chrome plating on plastic process.
CHROME REDUCTION WITH GINPLAST REDUCER CR / CR (AF) (POP)	Neutralizer for effective reduction of residual hexavalent chromium from the etching operation, improving the bath life of activator. Fully organic system that does not alter the surface condition of chemically treated ABS plastic plating substrates. Ammonia-free version available.
ACTIVATION WITH GINPLAST ACTIVATOR ULTRA 5 / 10 (POP)	Highly effective concentrated palladium-tin colloidal activator systems with smaller particle size, ensuring lower consumption and optimal results in ABS plating process.
ACCELERATOR: GINPLAST GK 120 (POP)	Single liquid base accelerator system for effective removal of excess tin from the surface after the Sn-Pd activation step.
ENP WITH GINPLAST NI 614 (POP)	Lower temperature sulphate-based electroless nickel plating plastic process for extended bath life. Smooth, continuous, and adherent nickel plating plastic parts for enhanced performance.
ENP WITH GINPLAST NI 801 (POP)	Highly stable chloride-based, room-temperature electroless nickel plating on plastic process, specially designed for ABS chrome plating.
ELC WITH GINPLAST CU 803 (POP)	Highly stable electroless copper plating process with a higher rate of deposition & broad working window, stable up to 90C.
GINPLAST PRECODIP (POP)	Non-electrolytic copper exchange process, producing a thin copper deposit for improved conductivity and reduced attack on the electroless nickel layer.
GINPLAST COPPER (POP)	Dye-based acid copper plating process producing extremely bright, highly leveled deposits with good throwing power and ductility. Deposited copper layers have low internal stress, making them suitable for higher deposit thickness.
GINPLAST COPPER DF (POP)	Innovative, fully soluble dye-free acid copper plating process with excellent leveling and brightness.
CUPROBRITE PCA	Activation process for bright copper undercoats prior to nickel plating on plastic, ensuring desired adhesion of subsequent deposits.

WHY CHOOSE GROWEL?

Excellent Substrate Compatibility

Growels Plating on Plastics is expertly engineered for compatibility with various ABS, PC, and blend substrates, making it a versatile choice for automotive trims, sanitary fittings, and consumer durables. With robust adhesion and performance across multiple surface types, it ensures uniform coating and longevity, regardless of application.


Stable Bath Life and Flexible Application

The plating bath maintains stability and performance over an extended period, minimizing the need for frequent replacement. With an operating temperature range from room temperature to 60C, Growels fits seamlessly into most electroplating setups, supporting both immersion and electroplating sequences to accommodate diverse manufacturing processes.


Superior Quality and Compliance

Passing all standard adhesion tests-such as thermal shock and tape tests-Growels guarantees durable metallization with plating thickness ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 microns. The solution aligns with international environmental standards, including RoHS and ELV, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance for exported goods.