1. How can I get a quote?
Sonic Plating Co. Inc. is happy to give you a quote over the phone, internet or via Fax. Simply contact us with a detailed description of your request (i.e. services needed, size, weight and volume of your part(s) etc…) and our management staff will expedite your request for a quote ASAP.
2. What is “RoHS” ?
RoHS or “Reduction of Hazardous Substances” directive was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union. The RoHS directive took effect on July 1, 2006. It is NOT a law (yet), but simply a directive. The directive restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacturing of various types of electronic and electrical equipment.
RoHS is often referred to as the “lead-free” directive, but it restricts the use of the following six substances:
1. Lead
2. Mercury
3. Cadmium
4. Hexavalent chromium
5. PBB (flame retardant used in some plastics)
6. PBDE (flame retardant used in some plastics)
The general trend now is that many countries and U. S. manufacturers are jumping on the bandwagon to welcome and accept RoHS standards. In short, the writing on the wall says that the U.S. will follow the EU and Japan with RoHS compliance. Many manufacturers are already requiring their products to be RoHS compliant, period.
Click Here to see if your product is impacted or exempted from the RoHS directive.
3. Do you have an alternative to hexavalent chromium?
YES. We offer a chromate formula called “Trivalent Chromium.” Tri-Chromes are not associated with the “hex-chrome” formula of days past. Tri-Chrome is a RoHS compliant chromate that now offers superior topcoat protection of plated metal, without the toxicity associated with hex-chrome.
4. Why do you use hexavalent chromium when it is not RoHS compliant?
-Provides a good protectant barrier at an affordable price.
-There continues to be a demand for hex-chrome chromates for customers not impacted by the RoHS directive.
-Provides self repairing qualities when the surface area becomes lightly scratched.
-We offer your choice of hex-chrome or hex-chrome free “Tri-chrome” chromates.
5. What is the turn around time for my job?
Generally 3-5 days after the first day of arrival to our facility, excluding weekends, holidays or acts of God. Certain specific jobs or large/bulky items may take longer depending on the volume of the job.
6. Can you expedite and do rush orders?
YES. For a small additional fee, we can “rush” any order and usually turn the job around quicker. Ask us about “rush orders” at the time of your original order.
7. Do you offer free local pick up and delivery?
YES. We can accommodate LOCAL pick up and delivery with our fleet of vehicles. Generally we will deliver/pick-up products locally that have a shipping weight in excess of 400 lbs. Give us a call should there be any special delivery needs and we will be happy to help with a solution.
8. Can I get a free sample run to determine cost and quality of the product?
YES.
9. Can I get certifications with my order?
YES. We furnish certification letters upon request at a charge of $5.00 per certification letter.
10. Do you bake products that you electroplate?
We bake products if requested to do so by the customer at the time of the original order. We offer bake times ranging from 3 to 24 hours. For steel with a Rockwell Hardness (c) greater than 31, we recommend that customers follow standard bake time specifications for hydrogen embrittlement relief per ASTM B 850-98 (Reapproved 2004), Click on our BAKE CHART link to view suggested bake times for various strength steels.
We suggest you read our section on HYDROGEN EMBRITTLEMENT and the BAKING PROCESS to learn more. Consult with one of our technicians at the time of your original order and we will be happy to help you make the decision to bake or not to bake. With relief baking, there is an applicable baking charge.
11. How long should I bake my parts for and what type of steel requires relief baking?
Steel with a Rockwell Hardness value greater than HRc 31 (> 1000 MPa tensile strength) should undergo hydrogen embrittlement relief treatment (baking). Bake times vary depending on the hardness and/or tensile strength of the steel. Click on our BAKING CHART link to help you determine the correct bake time for your plated part(s).