Evaluation and comparison of activated FDM printed ABS plastic parts for electroplating

The main goal of this study is to compare and contrast two techniques of converting FDM printed ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic parts into electroplating ready conductive plastic. First technique use silver conductive paint and the second technique uses a chemical procedure to generate a conducting surface for succeeding copper deposition. Since ABS plastic is primarily an amorphous, hygroscopic substance, which is non-conductive, conductive paint and chemical methods have been used to make it so. Comparison of both the technique is based on plating thickness test, copper accelerative salt spray test and temperature cycle test. In the end a conclusion from the comparison and this investigation will pave the way for selection of electroplating route on plastic.