There are a number of design requirements for the successful moulding of electroplating plastic parts:
- Integral parts should be used to avoid welded or gluded joints
- Gates should be put in non-appearance areas
- Ribs and Bosses should be designed to eliminate sink marks
- Texturing can be used to break up large flat surfaces and hide any defects such as scratches
- Draft angles should be at least 1degree for easy removal from mould
- Parting lines should be put in non-significant areas if possible
- "Close tolerance fits" must include the final plate thickness in the part design
- Wall thickness should be as thick as possible for rigidity
- Plate uniformity- which is a result of high and low current densities must be considereed in the inital design, the design should exclude: V grooves, 90 degree angles, letters should be kept close to surface; angles should be as large as possible; large flat plances should be crowned
- Consideration should also be given to drainage holes, rack contact areas and rigidity.
- Hot runner systems are best, otherwise runner systems should be fully round, polished, max radii where possible with generous gates.