Daicel Polymer has developed ABS alloy for eco-friendly metal plating.
With the new polymer alloy, metal plating without Chromic acid (*1) etching is possible. If you introduce Cr³⁺ - plating or Sn-Ni Plating, completely Cr⁶⁺ - free metal plating is also possible.
Being the plating mechanism (*2) is absolutely different from that of conventional ABS, the adhesion strength between metal layer and plastics is consistent with the conventional method and the plated surface is very smooth. You can use the polymer alloy similar to ABS or PA.

*1) Chromic acid is one of Cr⁶⁺ compounds, and Cr⁶⁺ compound is one of specific chemical substances of RoHS directive. It is toxic, known to be a human carcinogen, a respiratory tract irritant. For conventional ABS plating, etching process with Chromic acid is indispensable.
Applying the new polymer alloy, contamination of plated product with Cr⁶⁺ compound can not happen and disposal of waste Cr⁶⁺ compound becomes unnecessary.

*2) New Plating Mechanism
MODERN PLASTICS WORLDWIDE, September 2005.