The trophies and medals hanging from your walls have that distinct shine thanks to PVD coating.
The process of vacuum metallization is essentially a form of physical vapor deposition. The process requires the combination of both non-metals and metals to evaporate and then deposit into a thin film. The most common metal used in vacuum metallization is aluminum because of its’ thermodynamic and reflective properties.
Advantages
Vacuum metalizing gives off a highly reflective surface that’s similar to chrome. Also, when using aluminum, its low cost enables there to be an increase in production. This process also can be tinted for various colors such as: brass, copper, gold, blue, green, and black chrome.
Vacuum Metallization in Plastic Parts
Visually, if you were to coat a piece of plastic with metal, you wouldn’t expect there to be an increase in both gloss and reflectivity.
Through vacuum metallization, metallic properties such as abrasion resistance and electrical conductivity can also be added to plastic components. Upon completion of metallization, these now-metalized components are treated in the same light as metal plated parts. Although they carry the properties of metals, they tend to be lower in weight and have a high corrosion resistance as well. In addition, the electrical conductivity that now encompasses the plastic part can be controlled to avoid electrical surges.
Physical vapor deposition coating, or PVD coating, can be found in a variety of household items that are commonly found. Products such as: lamp reflectors, emblems, trophies, fishing lures, and advertising display items are only some of the products that are vacuum metalized. The immense amount of gloss and shine are what makes this method stand out.
Denton Vacuum, LLC manufactures premium sputtering systems and PVD systems for any deposition application. Visit their large inventory online today.