Can Vacuum metalized ABS be engraved?

[Carcegen]

I'm a newbie here with a new product being developed. This is a small consumer product that is molded in black ABS and then vacuum metalized for a mirror chome finish. We'd like to engrave specific designs (2" x 1") on one of the parts. The idea would be to etch or engrave away the chrome, revealing the black ABS underneath. How can we do this successfully? Would a laser engraver be able to do intricate designs on a chrome plastic surface? Would the plating flake at the edges? Would a standard tool engraver work better? I had heard that laser's hate mirror surfaces. Would this be a problem. Thanks for your help!

[mcphill]

I can't answer you definitively, but I think you will not be able to engrave chrome with a CO2 laser. A YAG or a fiber laser may work. Take it to a good shop in your area and they should be able to see what would work for you.

Your designs can be VERY intricate, and the edges should be clean cut and avoid flaking. That said, you won't know until you try! Can you get a sample of the substrate and coating you will be using as a sample and have a shop work with that to test what is possible?

[packrat]

Most "chrome" plastic is vacuum metalized with aluminum. I would try using an engraving bit, but, if the lines are too close together the metalizing may lift off of the plastic in that area.