Emblems

Plastics are light, corrosion-free and can be formed to virtually any shape. Even complex components can be cost effectively produced in volume. A metal surface gives plastics a high quality and decorative appearance. This is why the advantages of plating on plastics are being appreciated in the automotive industry.
Today, nearly all OEM emblems are made of plated ABS or ABS/PC blends. To apply a corrosion resistant and decorative metallic coating onto the piece of plastic, several steps are necessary.

 

Typical Process Sequence with Recommended Products (Common application):

Substrate

>> ABS and ABS/PC blends

Cleaning

>> Optional

Etching

>> Chromic sulphuric acid

Reduction

>> Futuron® CR Reducer

Pre Dip Activation

>> Noviganth® AK Activator or Noviganth® PL Activator

Reduction

>> Noviganth® AK Accelerator Plus

Electroless Ni

>> Noviganth® LFS or Noviganth® Ni HC, Ni Strike

Acid Copper

>> Cupracid® PL or other Cupracid® or CuFlex® process

Semi-Bright Nickel

>> Mark 90

High-Sulfur Nickel

>> HSA 60

Bright Nickel

>> UniBrite B-100 or Makrolux® NF

Microporous Nickel

>> NiPore® 50K

Bright Chromium

>> Bright Chromium Bath CR 843

 

or Additional Application and Finishes (also used for other internal or external parts):

Instead of Noviganth® AK process

>> Futuron® process

Satin Nickel instead of Bright Nickel

>> Satilume® Plus AF or Velours® Nickel

Bright Chromium Alternatives

>> TriChrome® Plus & TriSeal® I or TriChrome® White & TriSeal® I or TriChrome® Smoke & TriSeal® I