Mr. Mike Brett This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Automotive Finishing Online -- Polybrite's Unique Plastics Plating Technique

   www.afonline.com/articles/01fa - [Cached]

   Published on: 2/9/2002   Last Visited: 2/9/2002

   "We wanted to differentiate ourselves from all the other big plastic platers, most of which were using electroless copper," noted Mike Brett, general manager of Polybrite (Richmond Hill, Ontario).
   
   Polybrite could have chosen to use the "tried and true" plastics plating method on the grilles, appliqués, headlamp housings and other exterior trim pieces it plates for Ford, GM, DiamlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen, BMW, Isuzu, Rover, Jaguar and Audi. However, the company is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in the development and application of new and groundbreaking methods and materials for the production of exterior vehicle plastic parts and systems. Because of this, Polybrite partnered with Atotech to develop a direct metallization plastic plating process for plating chromium directly on ABS and ABS plastic blends. Polybrite set up a prototype line in its facility for developing the process.
   
   Schematic view
   ...
   "The greatest advantages of the process, as we see it," noted Mr. Brett, "are that it doesn't plate out on the racks, it has a very stable chemistry and you can interrupt the process after what we call the Cu-Link step." The Cu-Link is a proprietary alkaline process whose function is to chemically replace the tin on the palladium/tin alloy with copper. The resulting film is conductive and makes the surface ready for acid copper plating. "We can take the parts out of the solution at this point and leave them for a day. Granted, we don't want them sitting out for long periods of time due to contamination, but if the process needs to be interrupted, it can be," continued Mr. Brett.
   
   "Another significant benefit of the process at the time we installed it was with the waste treatment. The process contains no formaldehyde," noted Mr. Brett. None of the solutions in the process contain complexing agents such as EDTA or ethylene diamine, nor does the process contain formaldehyde or sodium hypophosphite. Because of this, rinse waters do not need to be treated separately, lowering the volume of wastewater.
   
   Conventional Etch – dissolve rubber portion of ABS to produce rough surface. Reduction – neutralize remaining chromium.
   ...
   We are also working on ways to plate other hard-to-plate plastics," commented Mr. Brett. "Automotive manufacturers want the flexibility and light weight of plastics, but they want to keep the chrome look and the impact performance you get from steel. We are developing ways to bring all of these characteristics together."
   
   The traditional plastics plating process as compared to the direct metallization process is shown below.
   
   Polybrite's new chrome-plated TPO technology
   ...
   The activator is the most important step in the process, according to Mr. Brett. Parts emerge from the predip solution, which consists of hydrochloric acid and water. This protects the highly concentrated Pd activator from dilution. Palladium and tin are adsorbed from the activator onto the pretreated surface. They are adsorbed as clusters of a Sn/Pd colloid surrounded by SnCl. The cluster sizes are determined by the concentrations of hydrochloric acid and Sn. This influences the quantity of Pd adsorbed on the surface. (see Fig.

2. 2. The Globe and Mail

   www.theglobeandmail.com/servle - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/18/2003   Last Visited: 5/18/2003

   Don't say that to Mike Brett, general manager of the two Decoma International Inc. Polybrite plants where the grille for the RX330 will be manufactured and assembled.
   
   "If anything defines the vehicle, it's the grille," he says.
   ...
   At Polybrite, Mr. Brett understands the message.
   
   "You don't discuss tolerances," he says, "you discuss perfect fit."
   
   He and his team began preparing for perfect production last year.

3. 3. Canada gears up to build the Lexus Grille manufacturer Polybrite prepares to deliver 'perfect fit' to Toyota, GREG KEENAN finds @ workopolis.com

   spectator.workopolis.com/servl - [Cached]

   Published on: 5/17/2003   Last Visited: 5/21/2003

   Don't say that to Mike Brett, general manager of the two Decoma International Inc. Polybrite plants where the grille for the RX330 will be manufactured and assembled.
   
   "If anything defines the vehicle, it's the grille," he says.
   ...
   At Polybrite, Mr. Brett understands the message.
   
   "You don't discuss tolerances," he says, "you discuss perfect fit."
   
   He and his team began preparing for perfect production last year.