ABS Plating Problem and Solution
ABS is one of the most popular forms of plastic used in a variety of consumer products and electronics. While ABS plastics provide great stability, strength and durability, a major issue that has arisen in the last few years is the difficulty of plating these plastics. This is due to the high levels of bond strength between the ABS plastic molecules, which can create a difficult surface for a plated layer to adhere to.
ABS plastics are non-conductive and have a relatively low levels of surface energy. This means that the adhesive forces of plating solutions are limited, making it hard to get the uniform layer of metal desired.
One solution to this problem is pre-treating the ABS plastic. Pre-treating the ABS plastic involves roughing up the surface of the plastic to create a surface with more bite. This is done by sandblasting the surface of the ABS plastic, creating a scratchy surface for a metal plating solution to adhere to. Sandblasting is ideal for large workloads, as it can quickly and effectively create an ideal surface for metal plating.
It is also much less expensive than other methods like thermal spraying, which must be done with expensive and specialized equipment. Sandblasting is more versatile, as it can work with a variety of different plastics, including ABS, and is generally easier to apply evenly.
For applications that require uniform and accurate metal plating, chemical etching is a more reliable option. Etching works by chemically corroding the ABS plastic surface, which reduces the overall surface energy of the plastic. This can create an ideal surface on which plating solutions can adhere and create the desired layer of metal.
However, chemical etching can be costly and time consuming. Additionally, it requires specialized equipment and is only suitable for small batches of ABS plastic. For larger batches, sandblasting is a more practical solution.
Overall, plating ABS plastics can be a difficult but not impossible task. With the right preparation, metal plating can be achieved on ABS plastic surfaces. Sandblasting is a cost-effective solution for large batches of ABS plastic and is sufficient for most applications. For higher levels of accuracy, chemical etching may be preferable. Any plating conducted on ABS plastics should meet the necessary quality standards and be regularly inspected for consistency and accuracy.
