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plating and anodizing: PLATING ON PLASTICS

Plating Makes

PLASTICS POP

THE PAINT AND COATINGS industry plays a major role in wide range of industrial applications.
that new car look we all love. From the sparkling paint job Metal-plated plastics have achieved widespread popu-
to the shiny chrome trim, specialized processes that have larity, due to advancements in polymer chemistry coupled
been perfected over time make automobiles and all kinds with developing production technologies. That is why we
of products pop. see many areas of application in the market for plating on
But shhh… the gleaming chrome trim on that new car plastics, such as automotive, electronics, utilities and other
and the shiny knobs on those appliances are actually, gasp, consumer goods.
plated plastics. Plating on plastics goes back to the 1960s, says a report
While plating is most commonly viewed as a finishing by Grand View Research, being practiced in Europe and
process for metals, it can be used with great success on North America. However, achieving a strong bond between
non-conductive materials as well, says Sharretts Plating. a metallic coating and the plastic substrate proved to be
Plating on plastic resins can be extremely effective in a extremely hard for manufacturers, which can explain its

30 Canadian Finishing & Coatings ManuFaCturing septeMber/oCtober 2020