The selection of a suitable plating partner for plastic injection tooling is a crucial decision that directly impacts the quality, durability, and performance of your molded products. A well-plated tool can significantly enhance the productivity, surface finish, corrosion resistance, and overall lifespan of your tooling. In this edition, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing a plating partner and provide insights into the different plating options available.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plating Partner
- Experience and Expertise: Look for a plating partner with a proven track record in plating plastic injection tooling.
- Polishing Capabilities: The plating partner should be able to fix damage to polished molding surfaces and establish SPI standard finishes
- Plating Capabilities: The plating partner should have the necessary equipment and processes and handle the size, complexity, and material of your tooling. Consider factors such as tank size, plating thickness, required finish, and the ability to handle intricate geometries.
- Quality Control: A reputable plating partner will have strict quality control measures in place to ensure consistent and high-quality plating. Look for certifications or accreditations that demonstrate their commitment to quality.
- Customer Service: Good communication and world-class customer service are essential. A plating partner who is responsive, knowledgeable, and willing to work with you to meet your specific needs will provide a positive experience.
- Turnaround Time: Consider the lead times required for plating your tooling. If you have tight deadlines, a plating partner with efficient turnaround times will be crucial.
- Cost: While cost is an important factor, it should not be the sole determining factor. Evaluate the overall value proposition, considering the quality of the plating, the level of service, and the potential long-term benefits.
- Local pick-up and delivery are a plus. Knowing your investment will be handled with care while traveling to and from your plating partner is priceless
Plating Options for Plastic Injection Tooling
- Hard Chrome: A popular choice for plastic injection tooling due to its hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Hard chrome plating can improve the surface finish, reduce tool wear, and enhance the overall durability of your parts.
- Nickel Plating: Nickel plating offers excellent corrosion resistance and a smooth surface finish. It can be used as a base layer for other plating finishes or as a standalone coating.
- Nickel P.T.F.E: The industry go-to for decades for part release of lower durometer molded materials.
- Nickel Boron Nitride: The newer hybrid coating that offers an extremely low .05 coefficient of friction and is 67 Rockwell.
- Diamond EN: One of the toughest nickel products, achieving a remarkable 70rc to protect your investment from aggressive glass-filled media. An effective alternative to hard chrome.
- Diamond Chrome: An extremely wear resistant chrome-based coating. Diamond Chrome offers all the benefits of Hard Chrome with the addition of achieving 85rc and a low .15 coefficient of friction.
Selecting the right plating partner for your plastic injection tooling is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your manufacturing process. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article and evaluating the available plating options, you can choose a plating partner that can offer all these services under one roof, providing peace of mind and ensuring the optimal performance of your tooling.
