Many of the shiny “chrome” parts on car dashboards and toys are actually plastic that has been covered with a thin coat of aluminum through a process called vacuum metallizing. In this process, a part (plastic, glass or metal) is placed in a chamber and most of the air is pumped out. Metal vapor enters the chamber and condenses on the part to form a very thin and shiny metallic coating. A transparent topcoat is then applied to protect the part from scratching and humidity. A gold finish and other colors can be achieved by adding dye to the topcoat.
Vacuum metallizing, sometimes called sputtering, is used in a myriad of applications and many more will emerge as industry learns how cost effective it is to mass produce using this method. The three most popular applications for vacuum metallizing are:
1. Reflective finishes on road signs, emergency lights and flash lights.
2. Decorative chrome coatings on wheels, headlamps and interior and exterior car trim, as well as vacuum metallization on trophies, shower parts, jewelry, ipod cases and toys.
3. Shielding from heat, vapors, electro magnetic interference and radio interference on computers, cell phones and cameras.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find out how the vacuum metallization process works
Many sites offer good information and other services for vacuum metallizing.
I recommend: The
DSM Engineering Plastics site explains how the different plastics used for vacuum metallizing have improved in quality and aesthetics.
Interplex has a short video that shows parts going through the vacuum metallizing process.
MFG.com offers a free service that helps buyers create RFQs to find companies with the right expertise and capacity for their vacuum metallizing applications.
Purchase services from vacuum metallizing suppliers
If you just have just one application that needs to be metallized, outsourcing is ideal. Most vacuum metallizing suppliers offer a full line of services.
I recommend: Mueller Corporation offers vacuum metallizing services for shielding, reflective coatings, chrome alternative coatings and decorative metallic coatings.
Spartek offers a variety of vacuum metallizing products ranging from small precise automotive and cosmetic pieces to large molded parts weighing up to 15 lbs.
Find vacuum metallizing equipment suppliers
It may be more cost effective in the long term to coat your own vacuum metallized parts. The newest technology allows the part to be pretreated, metallized and top coated in a single processing cycle. There are also vacuum metallizing systems that work in conjunction with an injection molding press to further increase efficiencies.
I recommend: Mustang Vacuum Systems manufactures coating and metallizing equipment, sputtering machines, optical coating units and batch metallizers.
Innovative Systems Engineering is a vacuum metallizing manufacturer of sputtering systems, evaporators, plasma deposition and etching systems. Custom equipment can be made to specification.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Vacuum metallization processes are greener than other applications such as electroplating because they generate no air or water pollution.
- Aluminum is the metal of choice in most vacuum metallizing applications because it has high adherence properties, is relatively inexpensive and has a silvery brilliance.
The official source of Vacuum Metallizing is the Vacuum Metallizing page at Business.com
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GlobalSpec: Vacuum MetallizingEngineering search engine for technical information on vacuum metallizing companies. Browse catalogs and contact suppliers.
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