Electroplated Grille

Electroplating onto plastic is a unique and extremely specialized process. Chrome plating options have been available on certain plastics for many years. The problem that exists, is that plastics traditionally have had to be specially formulated and designed to accept electro chrome plating.

We have developed a new procedure that allows hard electro chrome plating to be deposited on a wider range of plastics than in the past. This highly guarded and specialized process creates the same smooth lustrous finish associated with electroplated aluminum wheels.

Reflectivity results of the chrome plating can vary depending on the material that it is plated onto. It is not uncommon for a chrome plated aluminum wheel, and a chrome plated plastic center cap to not match exactly. Plating coverage can also vary, due to the size and design of the part to be plated. Due to the uniqueness and various designs of grilles / side vents etc. plating coverage will vary depending on the openness and pattern of the part. For example, it is more difficult to get chrome to deposit into the deep nooks and crannies (low density), of a mesh style grille than a flat solid open piece grille. On wheels, we have developed auxiliary anodes to assist to draw more current for coverage, but because of all the different grille designs, it is not possible to do so.