The factory in Anderstorp is the only one in Sweden to offer electrolytic surface treatment of plastic and the only one in the Nordics that meets the requirements for using chrome outdoors
Text and photo: Janne Näsström
There are around 200 injection molding plants in Sweden. An important proportion of all manufactured plastic has to be chrome plated.
– The chrome plating can now be done in Sweden at Provexa in Anderstorp, with Robin Hamic as site manager. Plastic parts do not need to be sent abroad, says Oscar Hultmark, head of Provexa’s business area Galvano, to which the unit in Anderstorp belongs.
In February 2022, Provexa bought the company Plating on Plastic in Anderstorp. The factory is the only one in Sweden to offer electrolytic surface treatment of plastic and the only one in the Nordics that meets the requirements for the use of chrome outdoors.
In the automotive industry, chromed metal is increasingly being replaced by plastic that is chromed. Much of the goods are transported abroad for chrome plating, and then return to Sweden for assembly. The advantage of placing the surface treatment with Provexa is many: Quality, short lead times, fewer transports, easy communication, high delivery reliability and less impact on the environment.
– The process follows the same steps as normal chrome plating with copper at the bottom, then another metal and finally chrome, says Robin.
Currently, this second metal is nickel in three varieties – matte, semi-gloss and gloss. Other possibilities are, for example, silver, gold, copper and tin. Today, Provexa in Anderstorp can coat PP and ABS plastic.
Provexa is making large investments in Anderstorp to develop the processes, increase capacity and reduce energy consumption, says Oscar.
It is enough to look at your own car’s rearview mirror to confirm that chrome plating of plastic is huge. Another example is the front of a car or truck with chrome branding, model designation, grill and all kinds of moldings.
Do you want to know more? Contact Robin!
Robin Hamic
Site manager, Provexa Anderstorp
E-mail: robin.hamic@provexa.com
Tel: +46 31 361 47 92
Mobile: +46 720 71 04 01