Richard wrote:
> there isn't any antipathy.
> it's related to the lack of efficient
> and quality platers who can, year in
> and year out, offer consistant work
> at a reasonable cost. in europe, the
> epa/osha type standards are different
> enough (from ours) that chrome, on steel
> frames, continues as a feature. also, over
> 'there' no one does just one frame; a typical
> situation would see a frame shop hand over
> dozens of pieces simultaneously. doing it on
> a one-frame-at-a-time basis is cost ineffective.
I think geography has much to do with the volumes of frames to be plated too. In Italy, within a 50 mile radius, you will generally find enough frame builders to easily keep a plater busy. This is not the case here in the US. With regards to the environmental standards, this used to be a valid argument, but since the advent of the European Union, the differences in standards that used to exist in Europe have been cut back in an extreme way. As a rule they have now adopted a Europe-wide standard that reflected the most strict levels in effect previously. I would dare say that the EU standards and enforcement are now stricter than the US. Don't forget that the US is by far the greatest polluter in the world on a per capita basis!!! There is also now a universal ISO 14000 standard for respect of the environment that many large companies are now requiring of all of their suppliers.
I always laugh when we here in America point to our 'standards' and like to relate a story told to me by an African friend of mine. This friend formerly owned and operated an abattoir (slaughterhouse) and exported ostrich and crocodile meat throughout the world. To be able to do this, his abattoir needed certification from both Europe and the US. This certification procedure is very stringent and reflects the standards in effect in both regions. Because of his experience in this very specialized area, he has since been contacted by abattoirs in both Europe and the US to help them with setting up their crocodile/alligator and ostrich slaughtering operations. He said that none of these abattoirs would ever meet the standards that he maintained day and night. He also said that any infractions here in the US are dealt with by fines whereas foreign companies simply have their certification removed.
A few other points that I expected Richard to point out are that unless it is done perfectly (as pointed out by Richard Rose), the plating process can lead to more frame failures. It also adds weight to the frame. With regards to stainless steel droup-outs, they are notoriously unfriendly to brazing.
Steven Maasland Moorestown, NJ
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