copy chrome vs triple chrome plating

[dadkar2]

Hi Bob,

Most of the properties of chrome plating come from the nickel.

Copy chrome is nickel.

The difference between nickel and copy chrome is that cobalt is added, which gives the finish a slightly blue tint, much like chrome plating does. Nickel, without the chrome plating or cobalt, will have a very slightly yellowish tint. You can see it if you hold a chrome finished part next to a nickel finished part.

The chrome finish adds to the hardness and durability of the item. I'm not aware of any side by side studies between chrome and copy chrome )aka nickel plating) for durability in the environment, but that's why chrome plating was done from the very beginning. Given how difficult it is to deal with, it must have been worth it.

If you're not subjecting your parts to extreme environmental conditions, salt, etc., then just stick with the copy chrome. You'll sleep better not having to worry about the hazards of chromic acid, the fumes, and the EPA concerns. If you MUST do chrome, then for goodness sakes just be very careful. Outfit the plating area with a fume hood. Follow all of Caswell's instructions and use the fume suppressant he sells.

Ken

[mcaswell]

We upgraded the Copy Chrome system some time ago. There is no nickel in the system now, it is a cobalt system. Much harder than nickel.

[dadkar2]

Thanks for the update. Pretty cool.

Ken

[splbnd27]

If the copy chrome doesn"t have any nickel in it would it be at all benifical to
nickel plate then copy chrome over the nickel?
I was planning on using flash copper first, then copper as a surfacer, then the copy chrome.

Bob

[Tim1hd]

If the CopyChrome is Cobalt now can you still apply real chrome plate to it? Also how do you know if you have the new CopyChrome?

Thanks Tim

[jimcarry]

That is what I am trying to find out, ARE there differances with the copy chrome and what they are, good or bad.

My long range goal is to try and build a plating busisness, because there is nothing like that anywhere around my area, and I think it could be a thriving busisness. I realize that every busisness has it's pitfalls, but if some of these problems could be avoided by using the copy chrome it would sure make it easier to get something going. But if I am comparing apples to oranges then thats a whole different story.

Let me ask it another way, if I copper plated then nickel plated two identical items , then chromed one and copy chromed the other and they both came out perfect , how much of a differance would there be between them, color shine , durability etc.

Bob

I have posted a picture of Chrome verses Copy Chrome in the Photo Gallery
http://forum.caswellplating.com/phot...0&ppuser=17870 i have used Copy Chrome for a little over a year and it is awsome

[jimcarry]

Here is my two cents
when I first started with copy chrome I used the one step process with a 3gal kit it worked very well with very few problems after playing with this kit for some time I discovered that it work best at 1 Amp per 32 sq inches I have sense moved to a larger kit and am now using copper also
flash copper gives a better surface for the copy chrome to hold onto I am now thinking of also getting acid copper and nickle baths to use a triple plate process but with copy chrome as a final as a final plate. Although it is true that in the smaller kits a nickle anode is used in the larger kit a cobalt steel anode is used and gives a much harder surface then nickle. Also due to EPA concerns
the copy chrome is much safer and accepted by the EPA standards in fact they have told me it was the best chrome substitute they had seen trying to come into this area and after looking at my MSDS they approved of what I was doing

[mikedinmd]

jimcarry, a question. caswell still shows a nickel anode for the kits listed. how large a kit are you talking about? would the end result be different from using the different anodes? ( other than being harder as you mentioned) wouldn't it be better if all kits were improved? ok, that's more than "a" question, but anyone can jump in. mike

[jimcarry]

My kit is 25 gal. as far as the look I don’t see a difference in the cobalt steel and the nickel I have to say that if the part is prepped properly you can achieve the same look as triple chrome I my self plate for a lot of car clubs in this area and when I go to the shows I see my work everywhere.
I would have to say that if you asked Caswells for the cobalt steel anode the would send it with any buy although it is a little more expensive