Plastic electroplating is gaining popularity due to its ability to combine the benefits of both plastic and metal, offering enhanced mechanical strength and reduced product weight and cost. ABS plastic, a copolymer of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene, is particularly suitable for electroplating due to its ability to form a strong bond with metal coatings after roughening.

Traditionally, hexavalent chromium and formaldehyde, both carcinogenic, are used in ABS pretreatment. However, for environmental protection, alkaline Potassium Permanganate is now used for roughening, and glyoxal replaces formaldehyde as a reducing agent in chemical plating.