Pelican Parts Forums - Hardware Plating Prep by a Noob

I just got everything back from batch cadmium plating (not zinc). I used Alcaro & Alcaro Plating in Montclair, NJ. I had about 1200 pieces plated and the cost was about $200. Customer service was outstanding. They told me if I had anything that was hard to replace to separate those pieces and they would make sure they got additional attention. They told me that they rack plated the larger items. That was unexpected and good to hear.

Overall, I’m extremely happy with the results. You can tell the items that I didn’t tumble as long as the others.. or at least I think that is why some items have a dull finish compared to others that are really shiny. I know I didn’t tumble the solenoid plate very long and it is dull. Here are a few samples from the batch:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1654792030.jpg

For all those little nuts, washers, and m6 bolts I think batch makes a lot of sense. I also had about 10 pounds of hardware I pulled off a 71 I parted out. That stuff might get used at some point and wasn’t that much more to include in this batch.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1654792097.jpg

I am planning on sending some of the more expensive items to Tru in the next week or so. There is some risk in batch plating. I counted every piece I sent in and I’m down about 5 pieces. I’m not sure if my count is off or a few things were lost. So far, just going through all the crucial pieces and very small items, I can’t find what is missing. If I figure out what was lost or if my count is off I will update the thread. That is the biggest advantage to using Tru. Everything will be given attention, the finishes will be consistent (from what I have seen in pics) and there is no risk of loss.