• Platable ABS
• Platable ABS/PC Blends

Plastic Plating Process

• Electroless Copper - applied autocatalytically to provide a conductive layer for subsequent electroplating processes
• Semi-bright Copper Strike - adds thickness, improves plating adhesion, protects against metal burn-off at the point of rack contact
• Bright Acid Copper - provides leveling and good thermal cycling
• Bright Nickel - strengthens the plastic, and provides a highly reflective finish
• Satin Steel - adds a less-reflective satin appearance
• Chromium - protects nickel layer against corrosion and provides a clean final finish
• PVD - provides a durable, scratch-resistant finish. May be added onto nickel, satin, or bright chrome finish
• Multiple de-ionized water rinses and hot air dryers - prevent water spotting

MPC uses a "Closed Loop" quality assurance system. All plated parts are inspected in "real time" for 16 different plating attributes, with the information fed into a computer for monitoring by supervisory personnel. This allows quick identification or trends that may need correction and assures that the plating process is always in control. MPC is ISO 9001/2000 certified. Our offshore vendors are ISO 9001/2000 and QS 9000 certified.

Process variables such as chemistry and temperature are also monitored constantly. Chemical additions are made either manually on a set schedule, or automatically in the case of critical plating baths. In both cases, one of our 3 chemical engineers checks the addition to assure that the material added did what it was supposed to do. These chemistry and temperature adjustments are also stored for later retrieval, if needed.

Plastic parts are audited after 24 hours for the same 16 attributes that were checked in inspection. This information is fed into the computer and attached to the original files. Once parts are accepted by the auditor, a green label is attached. This label and another which shows the date and shift that the part was plated allows traceability for the parts in the carton. Our goal is zero defects - based on specifications agreed upon with our customers.

MPC performs the following in-house testing:

• CASS testing for corrosion resistance evaluation per ASTM B-368
• Wet thermal cycle testing for critical adhesion testing per CSA B-125
• Dry thermal cycle testing for adhesion testing per ASTM B-553
• Kocour and X-Ray fluorescent plating thickness testing
• Microscopic section analysis for plating and substrate material troubleshooting.

• Automatic Buffing Machines – 5 to 72-spindle, as well as specialty polishing equipment
• Metal Plating – 51 station, fully automatic return-type machine, with a production rate of approximately 10 square feet per minute
• Plastic Plating – 5 hoist, 56 station, 150 rack, computer controlled, fully automatic plating line, with a production rate of approximately 10 square feet per minute
• Rack Stripping – in-line and performed automatically every cycle
• Fully Automatic Waste Treatment System – capable of processing 86,000 gallons per day, complies with all Federal and State EPA requirements, as well as local regulations