Plating & metallizing · finish comparison
Chrome Plating on Plastic vs Vacuum Metallization
Chrome Plating on Plastic and Vacuum Metallization are both plating & metallizing on plastics finishes; plastic chrome resists corrosion better.
Chrome Plating on Plastic
Plating & metallizing on plastics · $$$$ · instant quote
Plastic chrome is a Cu-Ni-Cr decorative plating stack on plating-grade ABS or PC-ABS.
Vacuum Metallization
Plating & metallizing on plastics · $$$$ · instant quote
Vacuum metallization evaporates aluminum or another metal onto prepared plastic to create a reflective or conductive-looking film.
When to choose which
Choose Plastic chrome
Choose Plastic chrome when a thicker Cu-Ni-Cr decorative system is required.
- True Cu-Ni-Cr metallic appearance
- 20–50 µm durable stack
- Better handling durability than evaporated metal
Choose Vacuum metallization
Choose Vacuum metallization when lower mass and cost matter more than thick metallic durability.
- Mirror-like appearance at 0.05–1 µm
- Low added mass
- Works on moulded and printed polymers
What the numbers say
- Plastic chrome resists corrosion better.
- Vacuum metallization is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Plastic chrome | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 72 Very good | 45 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 71 Very good | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 98 Excellent | 94 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 42 Fair | 20 Low |
| Cost | 80 $$$$ | 65 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Plastic chrome | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 20–50 µm | 0.05–1 µm |
| Surface hardness | 700–1,000 HV | — |
| Max service temperature | 90 °C | 80 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | bright chrome, satin chrome, dark chrome | bright aluminum, chrome-look, gold tint, custom tint |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 10–20 working days | 7–14 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
Plastic chrome vs Vacuum metallization — frequently asked
What is the difference between Plastic chrome and Vacuum metallization?
Chrome Plating on Plastic and Vacuum Metallization are both plating & metallizing on plastics finishes; plastic chrome resists corrosion better. Vacuum metallization is the lower-cost option ($$$$). Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Plastic chrome instead of Vacuum metallization?
Choose Plastic chrome when a thicker Cu-Ni-Cr decorative system is required. Conversely: choose Vacuum metallization when lower mass and cost matter more than thick metallic durability.
Is Plastic chrome or Vacuum metallization cheaper?
Vacuum metallization is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for Plastic chrome) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.