ASTOR METAL FINISHES have specialised in metal restoration and durable architectural metal finishes since 1954. Since then Astor Electroplaters (Aust) Pty Ltd had built a reputation for high quality decorative electroplated finishes. Initially concentrating on light fittings Astor also specialised in polishing and re-plating of automotive parts, bathroomware, architectural hardware, signage and furniture.

In 1998 Astor Electroplaters and All Models Superchrome joined forces and expertise (90 years combined) to offer the best metal polishing and electroplating services in Sydney. All Models Superchrome was established in 1952 and specialises in re-chroming of automobile parts and motorcycle parts including bus and truck wheels.

In more recent times, Astor has acquired, RMP Consolidated Pty Ltd, a well-respected polishing business established for over a decade operating at Botany and off site. This new machinery and expertise has allowed increased specialising in all areas of polishing particularly stainless steel.

Combined, we are able to offer the best in technical and production processes available to our industry. Astor is a very versatile business with friendly and creative staff who are happy to assist individuals and consult on larger projects.

Director is Richard Hammond, a qualified Metallurgist who prior to acquiring Astor in 1991, had been General Manager of Clark Australia (manufacturer of stainless steel sinks, and other kitchen products) and more recently Divisional General Manager of Hardies Bathroom Products (Fowler, Irwell Taps, and Reba plastics).

2003 saw Astor move all operations to one site at 93 Malta Street Villawood. This factory has undergone massive upgrading and development to allow an amalgamation of staff, technology, equipment, puchasing power, delivery vehicles and all other resourses making it one of Australia's finest electroplating plants. Astor Metal Finishes are the only company to offer a three-year warranty on new chrome plated products. The only company to have the technical skills required to polish and plate aluminium alloy truck wheels - the most difficult shape and metal to successfully achieve the most durable chrome plated finish.

CUSTOMERS

Astor Metal Finishes supply superchromed wheels and rims to transport/ freight companies, truck & trailer repairers, truck dealers and wheel/tyre companies.

Truck Dealers;

• Scania
• Mack Trucks
• Kenworth
• Sydney UD
• Suttons
• City Hino
• CMV
• Voltruck (Volvo)
• Nowra Truck & Bus.

Wheel & Tyres Companies;

• Goodyear Tyres
• Mullins Wheels
• Advantage Tyres
• Beaurepaires all over Ausdralia

Coach Companies:

• Surfers Paradise Coaches
• Premium Coachlines

Other customers for general polishing & plating works include architects, interior designers, landscape designers, industrial designers, restorers, antique dealers, plumbing contractors, lighting industry, car and motorcycle restorers, artists, boat restorers and individuals. We are equipped to handle mass production or one-off jobs.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION / SUPERCHROME TECHNIQUE

The Superchrome Process consists of a triplex nickel plating to a specified thickness. This gives better appearance but importantly, the three very different layers of nickel combine to provide extreme corrosion resistance of the wheels.

The first layer is a semi-bright coating of some 30-40 microns thickness. A layer of "Bright nickel" follows this coating. The two types of nickel have different properties and electrochemical potential and act to give both a mechanical and galvanic protection to the parent metal. The third coating of nickel is relatively thin. This layer us called "micro-porous Nickel". The effect this has is on the final layer, which is Chromium. It acts to microscopically crack the chrome layer. The effect on corrosion resistance is dramatic. Scientific testing has shown that the life of the wheel or rim doubles. It works by providing a much greater surface area of nickel and this eliminates pitting and hence exposure of the substrate.The Superchromed product will withstand harsh conditions including humid and salty environments.

TESTING

Astor Metal Finishes have carried out extensive testing of Wheel products. In addition to in-service testing, corrosion testing is done sing an accelerated salt spray test (CASS). This stimulates road conditions in Detroit USA with the harsh conditions experienced there – including salt and snow on the roads. In all these tests the triplex nickel process has given excellent results. Astor also conducts adhesion and thickness testing on a routine basis as part of quality control procedures.

GUARANTEE

Astor only supplies new wheels and, together with the assurance of quality plating, this allows provision of a "Three-year Pro-rata Guarantee" against defective plating or problems with the wheel itself. Subject to conditions of use, the guarantee provides for replacement of the product ex factory at no cost during the first twelve months, at one third cost up to two years and at two thirds cost up to three years.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

Environmental controls are extremely important to any manufacturing business.. The current limits placed on Electroplaters in Sydney allow concentrations of only one part per million of cyanide ions and three parts per million of nickel metal ions to be discharged to the sewerage system by industry. This is very tough by world standards. Astor and Superchrome have implemented the environmental controls and systems to ensure that there is no negative impact on our surroundings or on the water discharge to the sewers. We work closely with Sydney Water, EPA and other agencies to ensure that we are careful and comply with regulations.