Bright-Lee
07-13-2003, 09:59 PM
Ok, first a little about how I became the “BUFFERMAN”.
In 1982, I applied for a job listed in the paper (Shop helper no exp. needed).
I had no idea I was about to become a chrome plating tech. I quick-Lee
learned about a variety of metal coating/treatments such as: black oxide, electroless nickel, electro-polishing & plating, and of course, (mechanical) buffing/polishing.
It was here that I learned the basics of metal polishing. In order for chrome to look good
a part must be polished prior to plating. However, the degree of luster is not as important as looking for and removing pits, while keeping shapes and tolerance.
After a few years I worked my way into an anodizing company as manager of the polishing dept. Here I perfected my skills on aluminum. The owner was always demanding higher levels of quality/luster.
For the past 8 years I have been owner/operator of Bright-Lee Polished Metals.
It is here that I have mastered the art of metal finishing.
Now that I have told my life story, I will try to explain the pros & cons of chrome on aluminum.
THE PRO’S
Very high luster
Does not dull or fade
Easy to clean
THE CON’S
High cost
Long turn-around (if having something done you already own)
Short life (does flake, peel and chip)
No touch-ups (re-works only) which leads us back to high cost.
TO EXPLAIN
Chrome, as most people know it (like on bumpers), is really just a thin layer of copper then a slightly thicker layer of nickel then a flash (super thin) layer of chrome.
It is all done with electricity in liquids/chemicals not much warmer than your morning coffee. (About 140 deg. F.)
Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and is somewhat porous. If you happen to read about the gas cap with the chrome peeling due to vapors trapped underneath (another topic here in the Forum), that is a typical problem. However when I saw the back of the cap, it looked as if there was possibly machining oil still present when it was plated, another common problem.
More problems, in many cases, are due to the shape of the part to be plated.
Imagine chrome is like metal dust. If you were to sprinkle this metal dust over a magnet shaped like the letter “V”, the dust will cling to one side or the other and never make it to the bottom. This problem is overcome by making what is called an anode.
Anodes are lead bars connected to the positive electric pole and strategically placed to activate the plating process. Anodes aren’t always used where they should be because of the lengthy process required to set them up. This results in poor coverage in cracks and corners.
Since aluminum expands and contracts much more than chrome, under even mild temperature changes, the results are stress cracks that allow the weather to enter and do further damage. This is the primary reason for even the best of work that’s gone bad.
In regards to chrome over steel, well that’s a whole separate set of pros & cons.
I hope this wasn’t too boring and maybe even answered a question or two.
To everyone who has trusted me to polish his or her skid plate, I thank you very much! And Jason, thank you—this site rocks!
James
www.brightlee.com (http://www.brightlee.com)
In 1982, I applied for a job listed in the paper (Shop helper no exp. needed).
I had no idea I was about to become a chrome plating tech. I quick-Lee
learned about a variety of metal coating/treatments such as: black oxide, electroless nickel, electro-polishing & plating, and of course, (mechanical) buffing/polishing.
It was here that I learned the basics of metal polishing. In order for chrome to look good
a part must be polished prior to plating. However, the degree of luster is not as important as looking for and removing pits, while keeping shapes and tolerance.
After a few years I worked my way into an anodizing company as manager of the polishing dept. Here I perfected my skills on aluminum. The owner was always demanding higher levels of quality/luster.
For the past 8 years I have been owner/operator of Bright-Lee Polished Metals.
It is here that I have mastered the art of metal finishing.
Now that I have told my life story, I will try to explain the pros & cons of chrome on aluminum.
THE PRO’S
Very high luster
Does not dull or fade
Easy to clean
THE CON’S
High cost
Long turn-around (if having something done you already own)
Short life (does flake, peel and chip)
No touch-ups (re-works only) which leads us back to high cost.
TO EXPLAIN
Chrome, as most people know it (like on bumpers), is really just a thin layer of copper then a slightly thicker layer of nickel then a flash (super thin) layer of chrome.
It is all done with electricity in liquids/chemicals not much warmer than your morning coffee. (About 140 deg. F.)
Aluminum is a relatively soft metal and is somewhat porous. If you happen to read about the gas cap with the chrome peeling due to vapors trapped underneath (another topic here in the Forum), that is a typical problem. However when I saw the back of the cap, it looked as if there was possibly machining oil still present when it was plated, another common problem.
More problems, in many cases, are due to the shape of the part to be plated.
Imagine chrome is like metal dust. If you were to sprinkle this metal dust over a magnet shaped like the letter “V”, the dust will cling to one side or the other and never make it to the bottom. This problem is overcome by making what is called an anode.
Anodes are lead bars connected to the positive electric pole and strategically placed to activate the plating process. Anodes aren’t always used where they should be because of the lengthy process required to set them up. This results in poor coverage in cracks and corners.
Since aluminum expands and contracts much more than chrome, under even mild temperature changes, the results are stress cracks that allow the weather to enter and do further damage. This is the primary reason for even the best of work that’s gone bad.
In regards to chrome over steel, well that’s a whole separate set of pros & cons.
I hope this wasn’t too boring and maybe even answered a question or two.
To everyone who has trusted me to polish his or her skid plate, I thank you very much! And Jason, thank you—this site rocks!
James
www.brightlee.com (http://www.brightlee.com)