Electroplating Options in the US

[Rusty85]

I've been looking online to see what my options are for plating an MIB gun in metal but haven't found much. Artcraft in LA is the only one I've seen that can plate on resin/plastic thus far. MMM Metalizing does vac-metalizing but haven't had much luck with any others. Anyone know anywhere in the US that does it? Tried looking through other threads but didn't see anything.

 

[Murdoch]

To electroplate plastic, you have to put copper over top. Caswell plating sells kits.
I've been an electroplater for twenty years now.
I'm the senior electroplater at a hard chrome shop.

 

[Rusty85]

To electroplate plastic, you have to put copper over top. Caswell plating sells kits.
I've been an electroplater for twenty years now.
I'm the senior electroplater at a hard chrome shop.

I actually tried using one of their kits and I remember the copper not adhering to the graphite paint I had used. I remember the paint being quite expensive too, like 35 bucks a can or something?

 

[Murdoch]

I actually tried using one of their kits and I remember the copper not adhering to the graphite paint I had used. I remember the paint being quite expensive too, like 35 bucks a can or something?

I've actually never used them.
Find a plating shop that plates auto emblems and accessories.

 

[MattgomeryBurns]

Artcraft is pricey but they did a great job on my Riddler cane. Heck, if they’re good enough for Batman Forever, they’re good enough for me!

 

[IFA]

Artcraft is top notch but not cheap !!!

 

[Rusty85]

I've used Artcraft before and while the work is incredible the communication was not. Also, I got a quote for a piece a few years ago and recently got an updated one and it's almost tripled in price. I may end up having to go that route again, I just was hoping for an alternative somewhere here in the US.

 

[BrundelFly]

Artcraft is top notch but not cheap !!!

Just make sure you deal with the NICE brother, and not the A$#HOLE brother.

 

[Duncanator]

If you want to go the vacuum metalizing route, I have had great success with a company called Mueller Corp. They do large scale production vacuum metalizing for automotive and aerospace industries, among others.

They also have a division that does short runs for prototypes, etc... That is what I use them for.

They have been super helpful for projects that I have done, and their work is first rate.

Vacuum Metalizing & Spray Coating Services | EMI Shielding

Unrivaled Industrial Coating Expertise and Capabilities – RFI Shielding We Help Achieve Project Cost, Surface Properties, & Production Scale Requirements

muellercorp.com