copy chrome vs triple chrome plating

[splbnd27]

I was wondering if somebody could answer some questions for me?
I have been reading the forum for awhile now and several people have said that copy chrome is almost identical to triple chrome in apperance, durability and shine. Copy chrome sounds much easier to apply, whereas triple chrome is a much more involved process. I recently purchased the 4.5 gallon triple chrome kit but have not yet set it up, quite frankly I am not sure I want to.
I went to my local auto parts store to get the battery acid and they said that chrome plating in Pa. was not legal , while I'm sure this is just a case of somebody that does not know what he is talking about, I tried to find out some of the laws and regulations but could not find anything. Since this is concidered a hobby kit I cannot see the EPA giving me a hard time, but I was hoping to build it up into a busissness .
If the copy chrome is just as good why not use that instead, no EPA hassles, much cheaper, easier.
Any help with my confusion will be greatly appreaciated.

[Tim1hd]

I'm in the same boat that you're in. Its my understanding that depending on what you want chromed will make the difference. Parts exposed to high heat and the weather should be triple chromed. I am having some luck with the Copy Chrome, but its to soon for me to tell if the quality will hold up as well as real Chrome under adverse conditions. As soon as I know I'll post the results. One more thing to consider is the prep time for both is about the same. The only time saver is one dip for Copy Chrome and possible three dips for real Chrome.

Tim

[chrisk]

One more thing to consider is the prep time for both is about the same. The only time saver is one dip for Copy Chrome and possible three dips for real Chrome.

Tim

not quite right. As copychrome is only one process you have to get the original piece 100% right. The copper in the triple plate acts as a filler and is much easier to buff and polish than other, harder metals.
Having worked breifly with copychrome I am seriously considering getting a copper kit next to make getting better results that much easier.

The main advantage of copychrome over chrome i can see is the much lower ampages and less concerns about the fumes given off.

[chrisk]

One more thing to consider is the prep time for both is about the same. The only time saver is one dip for Copy Chrome and possible three dips for real Chrome.

Tim

[Tim1hd]

What you're saying is true. But why go thru all that prep work and expence if the end result won't last as long as the real thing?

[splbnd27]

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

[clydes]

if you do copy chrome you can do larger items. chrome has its limits even with a 250 amp rectifier. i started a shop and am finding out that its all about the power. spend the money get a bigger rectifier and then the copy chrome issue goes away. i think and its only my opinoin that the public would be less likely to pay top dollar for copy chrome. some have can to us just for that reason that they want the real thing. go big out of the gate on the power supply and you will have better luck all around. just my thoughts on the issue. clydes

[chrisk]

i wouldnt really like to go pro using copychrome. Not that i don't think it's good, just joe public want real chrome plating-end of discussion. Not that they will ever tell the difference. They don't really understand plating, they just heard/read about chrome plating and thats what there after. I bet you even if they wanna save money they'd rather put chrome straight to metal rather than triple plate and watch it rust before their very eyes than go with copy-chrome.

[dadkar2]

Copy chrome is basically a substitute for the nickel in the triple chrome process, with no chrome third step.

So, the only difference between the two is with copy chrome it's no longer a triple step process. It's a 2 step process. Frankly, since there is no real prep work involved between the nickel and the chrome step, it's really just time in the chrome tank and having enough rectifier current to get the job done right.

Don't overlook that third point. It can be a real engineering challenge with large parts.

Also, I applaud you for considering the environmental concerns. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen. The chromic acid fumes are not good for your health. However, on a very small scale (eg perhaps a few gallons at most) these things can be controlled with great care. But don't think it's easy. For example, if an accidental spill were to occur, would you be tempted to just mop it up and rinse the mop out in the sink? Or would you contain the wastewater and properly dispose of it? You have to be very disciplined about it. Most people aren't. That's why the EPA is so strict.

Ken

[splbnd27]

Hi Ken,
Everybody tells me that the copy chrome is identical to triple chrome, including the people at caswell. The shine, durabilty etc . are the same. So if this is the case it seems to me that it would much better suit me to use it.
There are no enviromental issues, you use less amps while plating, the solution is virtually permanant, no fumes.
I think the pros outway the cons, as a matter of fact I don't even see a plus for the triple chrome, but thats just my opinion.
Thanks everybody for your input, I am looking foward to hearing more.

thanks
bob

[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