Chrome plating cost question

[68RGR]

I've never had the need to have something chrome plated. But, I might want to some day.

What I don't understand is why it is so expensive. After looking at videos of the process, I can't figure the high cost. I know that repairing a part and plating it can be expensive because it is labor intensive. But, I can't figure out why the cost is so high for just the plating work.

I have two theories - One is this is a limited demand industry and platers are few and far between so they charge whatever the market will bear. The second is the materials used are really expensive and are used up rapidly so those "hidden" costs are not obvious to the casual observer (me).

Does anyone have the real scoop on why plating is so expensive?

[Ranchero50]

EPA makes dealing with the chemicals and waste byproducts very expensive.

[chad67]

The materials do get depleated and need to be replaced, but disposing of the byproducts is where the cost is. The person who disposes of a toxic chemical is responsible for its effects forever, so they make sure they use EPA approved disposal methods. The cost of disposal can be several times more than the cost of purchase. TRW used to manufacture piston rings, including chrome plated ones, a mile from my house and the EPA monitors our city water.

[red_67f100]

Interesting info

[thejunkman]

EPA makes dealing with the chemicals and waste byproducts very expensive.

I know a guy in my town that had a chrome plating shop. He owned it for over 30 years, and I believe his dad had it before that. It was always in the same location. The EPA came in and made his life hell, and then finally shut him down because they claimed he was too close to a creek that could flood into his shop and danger the enviroment. He couldn't afford to move, so his business is no more.

[chicof100]

Along the lines of chroming, a fairly new business opened up not far away from me. The sand blast, bead blast and any other blasting you request. They also do Powder Coating.
Guess who paid them a visit? Yup the E.P.A. They went into the sand blasting booth and took samples. Apparently their not suppose to blast chrome. They were fined and had to pay for the clean up and disposal of the dust left by the chrome.
As I talked to the owner he told me anything that is chromed needs to go to another company for blasting.
They can powder coat a piece of steel with a chrome appearance, but that's it.

[68RGR]

Imagine all of that dangerous chrome "dust" that was released when car bumpers were used for pushing another car!

Or, when those dangerous bumper jacks were so common?

I don't know how we survived it.

I can see where plating chemicals need to be disposed of properly - Whatever "properly" is.

But, dust from bumper grinding or blasting? What's next, banning coal?