- Elimination of toxic pre-treatments and abrasive blasting
- Suitable for PEI, PEEK, Nylon, among others
- Metalization either by direct electroplating or conventional electroless metallization
A patented adhesional pre-treatment and new metallizing technology jointly developed by Rekin International and Alliance Finishing & Manufacturing is now available for plating on high glass (Tg) transition temperature plastic components. This technology, for the first time, completely eliminates any toxic chrome based acid etchants, strongly oxidizing permanganates, the need for abrasive blasting, or organic solvents currently used to plate plastics like PEI, PEEK, Nylon, among others.
Metalization by direct electroplating or conventional electroless metallization
Plastic parts, pre-treated with the so-called GreenPOP technology, can be either metalized by conventional electroless metallization involving palladium (Pd) and copper (Cu) or by direct electroplating techniques. The direct electroplating methods offer very good adhesion properties on the primary plated layer of the coated part, as compared to the same part metallized electrolessly. Components made from PEI resins, for example, can be plated less expensively by eliminating the need for conventional electroless metallization that uses precious metals and formaldehyde based electroless copper for activation and metallization.
Exceptional thermal shock stability
GreenPOP has exceptional thermal shock stability and meets or exceeds the thermal shock requirements of MIL-DTL-38999 for composite plated connectors.
Parts with smooth surface
Conventional techniques that utilize combinations of abrasive blasting, along with heavy metal acid etchers or permanganate pre-treatments prior to electroless metallization, produce rougher and cosmetically less appealing parts. Composite components using GreenPOP plated parts are very smooth and maintain their dimensional stability. In addition, delicate or highly cosmetic plastic parts manufactured in their “as molded” or “machined” condition maintain their aesthetic qualities when metallized and electroplated with this technology.
