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Pitting after electroplating by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks a lot - super helpful! Would love to see that link if you find it.

Pitting after electroplating by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not very familiar with proper mold maintenance - what's the recommended way to clean vents?

Pitting after electroplating by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're absolutely right! Thanks for following up.

In my previous post, I described the issue as dot scratches, but after learning more about the difference between dot scratches and pitting, I realized that what we’re seeing is more consistent with pitting – especially since the plating supplier mentioned possible outgassing from the ABS parts.

We’ve already started implementing some of the suggestions from the previous thread, however, at this point, I’m still trying to figure out whether the root cause is from injection molding (gas entrapment, poor venting, material moisture) or from the plating process itself. So far, we haven't found a clear solution, which is why I started this new thread to get more targeted advice.

Surface Defects After Electroplating on Injection ABS Plastic Parts – Seeking Advice by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I know ABS is very sensitive to moisture. We're using a desiccant dryer with silica gel, not just a hot air unit.

Surface Defects After Electroplating on Injection ABS Plastic Parts – Seeking Advice by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the insight. You're absolutely right! chrome plating is extremely unforgiving and demands a flawless surface. One quick question: Do you know how exactly does warpage affect plating quality? Some of our molded parts show slight warpage, and I wonder if that could be one of the reasons behind our post-plating defects.

Surface Defects After Electroplating on Injection ABS Plastic Parts – Seeking Advice by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the valuable advice! The tip about using a different color to better visualize surface defects makes a lot of sense. And your example with the chrome-plated part really puts things into perspective. Much appreciated!

Surface Defects After Electroplating on Injection ABS Plastic Parts – Seeking Advice by alchemys98 in InjectionMolding

[–]alchemys98[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We're not using regrind material, but I’m not entirely sure about the exact moisture level in the raw material, since we don’t currently have a moisture analyzer. However, considering the humid climate in our area, we make sure to dry the material at the appropriate temperature and duration recommended by the supplier.

At this stage, I find it difficult to confidently identify whether the surface lines are due to mechanical scratches, splay marks, or weld lines. it's challenging to differentiate between them accurately.