Vacuum Metallizing
Interplex's vacuum metallizing process is used to deposit coatings of aluminum, copper, silicone bronze, aluminum bronze, nickel-chrome, nickel and silver on most plastics and glass. Vacuum metallizing provides decorative properties as well as EMI/RF shielding.
The vacuum metallizing machines are 48" diameter systems capable of coating lengths up to 51" and are equipped with plasma discharge and polymer deposition capabilities. Each carriage can accommodate 6 fixtures each 14" in diameter and 52" long.
The thickness of the vacuum metallizing coatings can range from 0.05 microns to 0.4 microns for a single cycle. Thicker coatings can be applied using multiple cycles. In addition, a thin layer of silicon based polymer can be applied as a topcoat over the deposited metal as a protective layer to withstand some environmental exposures.
Typically, vacuum metallizing is performed for technical products such as automotive lighting, handsets, EMI/RF shields. It can also be found on consumer products such as trophies, flashlights and certain toys.