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PLATING
PROCESS
We have many proprietary applications that make Wheel Concepts' chrome superior in quality. The following illustrations represent our plating procedures. We want you to know the difference between our chrome plating and someone that has just started out or has been in the business a long time and is sending out brownish colored chrome with dull windows. Our chrome is bright because of the copper, semi-bright nickel, bright nickel, and bright hexavalent chrome process we use. We have seen the other chrome, and it doesn't even come close in comparison to our quality. |
 1)
INSPECTION: Each shipment received is separated by customer,
and opened up immediately. Each box is inspected for quantity and
description. During this inspection, any damage from accident or
shipping is noted.2) IDENTIFICATION: Each wheel is coded with a IWO#, that identifies the wheel design, customer, and date received. This assures that you receive the exact wheel sent. This also enables WCI to track the wheel throughout the entire plating process. 3) PAINT STRIP: There are a variety of paint/primer stripping processes. WCI employs a COLD STRIP procedure utilizing an alkaline bath solution. This is the safest design available. (Be aware of ACID BATH, SAND BLASTING, & HOT STRIPPING solutions that can etch the alloy or effect the integrity of the metal).
5) 2ND STAGE POLISH: This stage is designed to remove machine lines on the face of the casting. A 220 grit belt is used to perform this procedure. 6) 3RD STAGE POLISH: (SISEL BUFF) This stage is to blend the window area with the face area. 7) 4TH STAGE POLISH: (JITTER BUFF) This procedure is to work the flat position of the wheel again, to eliminate any waves in the material from previous procedures. This utilizes a 240 grit paper. 8) 5TH STAGE POLISH: (SEMI-AUTOMATIC) This is the final stage of the initial polishing process. The lip and the outer edge is brought to a high luster. Now the wheel is ready for plating.
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4)
1ST STAGE POLISH: (HAND TOOLS) Small hand
held grinders are used first to prepare the window and relief pockets
to a high luster. This procedure is very time consuming, but essential
to providing the finest "full chrome look" possible. We
fashioned the term "full polished chrome."
9)
SOAP BATH: After polishing
the wheel, it goes through a soap bath and various rinsing procedures
to remove all polishing compounds