I haven't found any scientifically-run experiments done to demonstrate the durability of triple chrome vs. copy chrome, but general feedback from this forum indicates that copy chrome isn't as durable to the elements.
There are some things for absolute sure:
1. If you use a copper pre-plate you will improve the corrosion resistance vs. copy chrome over the bare substrate.
2. For interior use and lightweight to moderate abuse, copy chrome is probably fine
3. Copy chrome is much easier to apply than triple chrome, even with the copper under-plate.
4. Copy chrome is easier on the environment (but be responsible with the waste products either way).
However I agree with the previous post 100%: if customers are paying for triple chrome, that's what you should offer them.
Also I must point out that plating anything over nickel can be tricky. Be very careful about your process if you are going to plate copy chrome over nickel. You don't want to let the part dry off between the nickel bath and the copy chrome. Rinse twice and go directly into the copy chrome. Nickel is difficult to reactivate after it has passivated (oxidized). Once it passivates, plating over will result in peeling.
Ken
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