An Overview on Plating on Plastics

Plating is a common practice that is widely done all across the world since a very long time. However, it is seen that the most common substrate on which plating is done is metal. While metal is commonly plated, it is also true that plastics can be plated. The process that is carried out in the plating on plastics is highly complex and needs a lot of precision and accuracy to carry out in the right way. Even though plating for plastic materials is an old technique, the process was not extensively widespread because of the fact that it is not easy to achieve.

Plating on plastic is a difficult process because the surface of is not very conducive for the plating to bond with the surface. However, with the use of etching techniques the adhesive quality of the plastic is enhanced, making it more viable for plating. Since the technique and technology for plating has become better over time, it is seen that a lot of industries are making use of the system to increase the effectiveness of products and decrease the costing. During the initial phases of the system, the process of plating on plastics was used mainly in the automobile industry.

Plastic parts were plated with metalling finishes to make them presentable while keeping the costs low and the vehicles lighter. As the use of the plating process became popular, more and more industries adopted the practice. Some of the other industries that make use of plating on plastics include companies that produce plumbing and sanitary fixtures, the fashion and apparel industries, electronics manufacturers, household product manufacturers and many such other manufacturing establishments. Plastic can also be made to conduct electricity with the plating of copper on objects; this is one of the reasons why plating on plastics proves to be much more economical.

There are a lot of advantages that are associated with the process of plating on plastics. One of the most common advantages is that you can get an extremely aesthetic finish, on an otherwise dull object. when the plating is done in the right way. The plating process is also known to protect the base material from getting corroded and increasing the life of the object. In a lot of cases, plating is also known to make the plastic stronger. The use of the plating process can also help in making the plastic resistant to chemical reactions that can happen during use of the plastic or even when it is exposed to open air.

It can be concluded that plating on plastics is a process that is here to stay. The use of the process is likely to grow in the smooth functioning of a lot of other industries and manufacturing businesses.