This page relates to plating -
We are often asked to quote prices by phone – for your benefit and ours, here's why we prefer to avoid this:

Where plating is concerned, there are a number of variables involved in determining an accurate price. These variables include batch quantities, number of parts per load, type of finish, thickness specifications, weight & handling issues, surface type or condition, etc. A major factor is parts per load. The more parts we can fit in a load, the less it will cost the customer. This is where efficient racking or jigging can assist. Rack design is critical to both the efficiency (quantities) and effectiveness (quality) achieved. Cost can be significantly reduced through efficient rack design. Small volume batches may have to be wired onto hooks one under the other. This method is suitable to achieve plating specifications but limits the quantity per load therefore a much higher price usually follows.

Plating racks are designed by A Class staff and are manufactured and charged to the customer as 'tooling'. The racks are usually a one off cost and can last from several months to several years depending on the frequency and type of use and product life cycles. The number of racks required will relate to both the quantity of parts to be processed and how quickly the parts need to be turned around for the customer. The process of planning rack design often identifies many other considerations for manufacturers - this is why it also pays to involve A Class early on in your project!

Pre-polishing of base materials can determine the quality of the final product. A Class has now expanded its polishing facilities to accommodate a growing need for pre-polishing services and to ensure a faster pre-treatment process before plating. Polishing prices are calculated and charged according to time required. (Note – once the price to polish is determined, regular production run customers benefit from set price periods). The required standard of finish, the number and types of polishing operations and materials are also factors in pricing polishing

So as you can see - the more information you can provide at enquiry stage, the more accurate our estimate or quotation will be. We can quote from scaled designs or drawings in most cases but usually prefer to see at least a prototype so we can assess surface condition, etc before confirming prices. Where volume polishing is concerned we will definitely need working samples.

“Price” vs “Cost”

If you are a manufacturer you may well be interested in the “price” to plate or polish an item. But how often do you consider the overall cost?

In our experience, the price that you pay A Class to do your job is possibly going to be a little more than elsewhere. But often, paying a little more for a quality finish results in lower overall costs of production. For example, let’s say you are paying your supplier $1 each to chrome plate your widgets and you are getting a scrap rate (unsuitable products) of about 10%. This mean it is effectively costing you $1.11 to plate each item. But then add to that – the cost of sorting, inspecting and transporting back the unsatisfactory items. Then possibly the cost associated with items you have sold that are returned to you as unsatisfactory – then what is the true cost? Other costs are the loss of market credibility (and sales) you suffer when less than adequate quality finds its way into your customers’ hands.

Sure, there are jobs that A Class may not be able to do better than anyone else but history has proven in many cases it’s worth a second look. At A Class we have a saying “Our Quest is our Customers’ Success!” This means we work closely with our customers to ensure you get what you need so you can put a good quality product out there to successfully sell to your customers. We can only grow our business by helping you grow yours!

Worth thinking about?