Depending on your context, Plastichrome refers to either a highly collectible brand of mid-20th-century vintage postcards or the industrial process of electroplating chrome onto plastic parts. 1. Plastichrome Vintage Postcards
To postcard collectors (deltiologists), Plastichrome is a famous trade name for high-quality, glossy color postcards. They were produced primarily from the late 1950s through the 1970s by Colourpicture Publishers, Inc., based out of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Technology: The name merged “plastic” and “photochrome.” They were printed on heavy cardstock with a distinctive, ultra-glossy coating that gave them a vibrant, almost plastic-like sheen.
Historical Value: They typically feature mid-century American landscapes, roadside attractions, hotels, and early Route 66 culture. Today, they are popular collectibles sold on platforms like Etsy and eBay. 2. Industrial “Plastic Chrome”
In manufacturing and the automotive industry, “plastic chrome” or “plastichrome” refers to chrome-plated plastic. This material replaced heavy, expensive pot metals on cars and consumer goods starting in the late 1960s and 1970s. Great Central Plastics
Chrome Plating for Injection Moulding – Great Central Plastics
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