is it just vacuforming with sheets of metalic paper?  If it is were can I get some, and would I need to have a vacuum forming machine?  I'm planing on "croming" a fairly large number of parts.

 

 

One more thing, could I get the metalic stuff in other colors like gold and bronz?

 

Any help on this subject would be appriciated, THANKS!

The process is actually called vacuum metallizing.

 

I found some info at this page. 

 

http://www.chromeservices.com/process.htm

 

Custom Chrome Plastic

 

Many People think it’s impossible to chrome plastic, it is not. The process of chrome plating over plastic is actually a process called vacuum metalizing and it is different than electroplating or chrome plating. Vacuum metallizing is process used to make flash light reflectors and automotive lighting shine like chrome. Vacuum metallizing is the process of evaporating aluminum in a vacuum chamber forming an aluminum cloud which than condenses back on and bonds to the plastic to form a uniform layer, which shines like chrome. After the metalizing takes place there is a protective topcoat applied similar to the ones used in the automotive industry. You can also add dyes to the topcoat to achieve bright chrome colors and different shades of gold, bronze, copper, and gunmetal. It is much more environmentally friendly and cost effective than chrome plating or chrome painting. You can vacuum metalize many materials including plastic, metal, glass, fiberglass, and more. There are many different applications for vacuum metallizing including; chrome helmets and accessories, motorcycle/dirt bike parts and accessories, sporting goods, toys, car parts, novelty items, display items, decorative fixtures, cosmetic enclosures, ect. If you want the look of custom chrome on anything plastic, glass, metal, ect.

 

I thinks it's the same process the factories use.  It's a little more involved than what most people think.  Best bet would be to find a local shop in your area that does plating, and have them plate your parts.

 

Hope this helps.

there is an online shop that you could send your parts to and they'd do it for you, but I cant remember the name of it for the life of me all of a sudden. lol, Ill look it up tho.

Thanks for the info guys, I'll look around! :thumb