On Mar 6, 10:49*pm, "Wild_Bill" wrote:
I'm wondering what plating materials can be applied to polished cast
aluminum parts, and how difficult the process would be, such as unobtainable
chemicals or other problems.

I sent machined aluminum microwave radio enclosures out for nickel
plating because it was cheap and maintained conductivity between the
cover and chassis better than the bare metal over time. These were
prototype aircraft radios that may see condensation when descending
into humid air. IIRC the lot charge was about $80 fifteen years ago.

I think nickel and copper plate well without cyanide, copper from the
sulphate and nickel from the acetate, but I haven't tried it.