Spray on finish looks like electroplated chrome
An
Applied Coating Technologies product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Apr 20, 2005
Applichrome is a process for spraying a finish that looks and feels just like electroplated chrome.
Since expanding into new premises in 2004, Applied Coating Technologies has continued to develop its finishing capabilities to meet customer expectations for a one-stop finishing source.
Already supplying many industries with a wide range of high-quality decorative finishes to plastic mouldings, requests were often received from existing customers for a "chrome" paint finish.
A "chrome" finish is usually applied using conventional electroplating techniques and offers a bright, mirror finish.
It is specified on a variety of everyday products, such as shower handsets and car door handles.
However, conventional electroplated chrome can only be applied onto a limited range of plastic substrates, such as ABS.
There are also constraints in terms of the size and geometry of parts that can be processed.
Applichrome is a process for spraying a finish that looks and feels just like electroplated chrome.
It is a process that has been developed in the USA and is being introduced in the UK by Applied Coating Technologies.
The finish can be applied onto virtually any plastic or metal substrate.
ACT is currently developing the process further to coat wood, ceramic and glass substrates.
The Applichrome process involves three key steps.
First is the application of an adhesion promoting primer.
Various primers have been developed and now even adhesion to difficult substrates such as polypropylene can be achieved.
Second comes application of bright metallic chrome finish.
As the coating is applied by spraying, selective areas can be coated.
Third is application of two-pack polyurethane clear lacquer.
The lacquers provide chemical and wear resistance.
An added benefit is that the lacquer reduces finger marking, which can be a problem on conventionally plated parts.
The Applichrome process is carried out at low temperatures, typically below 60C, so even thin wall plastic substrates can be coated.
The Applichrome process is not meant to be a direct replacement for conventional chrome electroplating and would generally be more expensive when compared to electroplated chrome.
However, it fills the niche requirement for chrome, where electroplating is not an option.
The process is current being evaluated on a number of projects in various industries, these include: interior and exterior automotive components; domestic appliances; and bar top displays.
The development of the Applichrome process at ACT was in response to customer requirements for a one-stop shop finishing service.
The core business of ACT is EMI shielding coatings and decorative finishing of plastic mouldings.
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