Where can I get my case chromed?

[sygyzy]

The topic says it all. I think it looks pretty creative.

 

[compuwiz1]

look up replating services, like automotive, bumpers, etc.

 

[DoOLiE11]

its a pretty cool idea my roomate watns to do it too

 

[sygyzy]

If anyone finds out how much this would cost, tell us!

 

[Galileo]

Great idea. Why didn't I think of that. Might help cooling your case too.

 

[sygyzy]

You think so? I would think it'd make it hotter.

 

[Galileo]

I was just guessing.

It just seems that the chrome will reflect radiant heat eminating from the room , much like those reflective windows, and keep the case cool. Also, the outside being chromed (ie bare metal-no paint), the case is a more effective heatsink than when painted.

If the inside of the case and panel is chromed, who knows. It may keep more of the heat in. Or, the chrome may reflect the internal radiant heat everywhere inside the case and spread the heat more evenly, thus making it easier to cool the case with air convection. Just my own theory though. I'd like to know the real thing myself .

 

[GasX]

Galileo - you are right.

no paint = better conductive properties (i.e better heatsink)
silver finish = reflects heat away
interior = improves air cooling efficiency

I'd be scared to chrome the faceplates though, it can't be good for the warranty

 

[sygyzy]

I think any modification would void the warranty. If we got the case chromed, do they have to strip the paint/finish off first to get to the bare metal?

 

[luu]

What?????

 

[BayouL]

Try calling a local bikers, Harley, shop and find out where they take their stuff. When I wanted to get engine parts chromed, that was the place I called first.

BayouL

 

[sygyzy]

How much did it cost you?

 

[BayouL]

sygyzy,

It's been a couple of years, so I don't know the going rate and it could change from city to city. But it's still a good place to start. The bikers want good results at the lowest cost, like you and I. Good luck and if you chrome your entire case, please post some picks!

BayouL

 

[DeathFlame]

At first I was gonna say, cool idea, except you can't chrome plastics. Then I thought to myself, how the hell do I know that? I just didn't think you could. Seraching for "chroming plastic" on a search engine (I used hotbot) I found a couple forum links about guys talking about chroming plastic, so it is possible. However it doesn't seem like an easy process, some people had a tough time finding someone to do it. I'm not exactly sure about the costs ( I can ask my mom later, she chromed some of her bike parts) however I don't think it is a cheap process, especially for something like a computer case.

 

[sygyzy]

Aren't the side panels of computers painted metal? Please ask mother for me Deathflame

 

[DeathFlame]

Yes the sides are metal, but I was worried about the plastic front bezel (the part most people see) being chrome....

Another worry would be.. chrome plating would be adding a lot of thickness... would everything still fit together?!

 

[sygyzy]

No way. No plating the front for me.

 

[Galileo]

[EDIT]

Sorry.I deleted my post moved it to a new topic. I don't want to mess up zygyzy's original post.

 

[stiltner]

Plating chrome (aka copper, then nickel, then chrome) builds up around .002 thick at max after all 3 layers are plated on to the part. Its not that thick, you have nothing to worry about. Checking most case specs you'll see they allow around .008 in dimensional allowances, thats pretty hefty and you should have no problems getting anything to fit. Plating can be done on just about any surface, plastic, fabrics (kids shoes, think people) flowers, and so many other things, just have to make the material you want to plate conductive, and to do that you apply a conductive solution that would make the part conductive.

 

[ericd]

I think the expert has spoken

Eric

 

[psykohog]

All you need is a base plating of nickel followed by chrome. You would want to
use tri-chrome (more for looks) then hex-chrome (more for rust prevention),

 

[sygyzy]

Great information, but how much will it cost and where can we go?

 

[psykohog]

Try looking around AESF.org it is the main plating magazine for that industry.
You want to find a "job shop" that will do it.

 

[Galileo]

Funny. We all want to know how much and if chroming plastic is posible yet no one has checked around including myself.

Well, that's okay since we're excused today for being Sunday in the western hemisphere.

But tomorrow, we're all call and check around to compare notes, right?

Right?

 

[sygyzy]

The AESF webpage has lot of information but I cannot find a way to find shops or anything. They should have a directory of members or something.