Metallized FinishesMetallized FinishesMark GutmanMark Gutman

Mark ScabilloniMark ScabilloniChad FuhrmanChad Fuhrman

Purpose/ObjectivePurpose/Objective

►Make lightweight Make lightweight “stylish” plastic “stylish” plastic parts parts

►Has the appearance Has the appearance of metalof metal

► Reflective Reflective capabilitiescapabilities

Presentation ContentsPresentation Contents

►Electroless platingElectroless plating►Metal-sprayingMetal-spraying►SputteringSputtering►Vacuum MetallizingVacuum Metallizing

IntroductionIntroduction

►Metallized FinishesMetallized Finishes Thin Coat of MetalThin Coat of Metal Applied to non-metallic surfaceApplied to non-metallic surface

►Chemical DepositionChemical Deposition►Exposing surface to vaporized metalExposing surface to vaporized metal

Electroless PlatingElectroless Plating

►ApplicationsApplications Automotive/decorativeAutomotive/decorative

►TypesTypes NickelNickel CopperCopper SilverSilver

Electroless Plating Cont’d.Electroless Plating Cont’d.

►Applied to surfaceApplied to surface A line of baths and tanks A line of baths and tanks

►AdvantagesAdvantages Very thin : .25 - .50 micrometersVery thin : .25 - .50 micrometers High production volumeHigh production volume Shiny surface finishShiny surface finish

Electroless Plating Cont’d.Electroless Plating Cont’d.

►DisadvantagesDisadvantages Porous surface finishPorous surface finish

►Premature corrosionPremature corrosion

Limited flexibilityLimited flexibility

Metal-sprayingMetal-spraying

►ApplicationsApplications Radio-frequency-interference (rfi) Radio-frequency-interference (rfi)

shieldingshielding

►TypesTypes ZincZinc AluminumAluminum CopperCopper

Metal-spraying Cont’d.Metal-spraying Cont’d.

►Two MethodsTwo Methods FlameFlame ARCARC

►Applied to surfaceApplied to surface Sprayer headSprayer head Metal wireMetal wire Electrical contactsElectrical contacts Compressed airCompressed air Flammable gas orifices (Flame)Flammable gas orifices (Flame)

Metal-spraying Cont’d.Metal-spraying Cont’d.

►AdvantagesAdvantages Protects against corrosionProtects against corrosion Inexpensive equipment and materialsInexpensive equipment and materials Easily applied to inside surfacesEasily applied to inside surfaces

►DisadvantagesDisadvantages Manpower ExpensiveManpower Expensive Lower density than other coatingsLower density than other coatings Slow processSlow process

SputteringSputtering

►ApplicationsApplications Semi-conductorsSemi-conductors InsulatorsInsulators Silicon wafersSilicon wafers

►TypesTypes Unlimited MaterialsUnlimited Materials

Sputtering Cont’d.Sputtering Cont’d.

►Applied to surfaceApplied to surface Utilizes energetic particle bombardmentUtilizes energetic particle bombardment Atoms collide with targetAtoms collide with target

►AdvantagesAdvantages Adaptable to hybrid processesAdaptable to hybrid processes Material selectionMaterial selection Inexpensive equipmentInexpensive equipment

►DisadvantagesDisadvantages Stresses can develop within coatingStresses can develop within coating

Vacuum MetallizingVacuum Metallizing

►ApplicationsApplications DecorativeDecorative

►TypesTypes Primarily aluminumPrimarily aluminum

►Applied to: Styrene, ABS, and Acrylic resinsApplied to: Styrene, ABS, and Acrylic resins

Vacuum Metallizing Cont’d.Vacuum Metallizing Cont’d.

►Applied to surfaceApplied to surface Basecoat appliedBasecoat applied Vacuum pumps evaporate aluminumVacuum pumps evaporate aluminum Top coat appliedTop coat applied

►AdvantagesAdvantages High luster finishHigh luster finish Greater protection than other processesGreater protection than other processes

►DisadvantagesDisadvantages Expensive equipmentExpensive equipment

ConclusionsConclusions

►Advantages of metallized finishesAdvantages of metallized finishes Metal appearance at the cost of plasticMetal appearance at the cost of plastic Lighter than metal partsLighter than metal parts Versatility in applicationsVersatility in applications

►Disadvantages of metallized finishesDisadvantages of metallized finishes Expensive processesExpensive processes Complicated processesComplicated processes

►Advantages outweigh disadvantages Advantages outweigh disadvantages for most applications.for most applications.