1. Metallized Finishes Mark Gutman Mark Scabilloni Chad Fuhrman

2. Purpose/Objective ► Make lightweight “stylish” plastic parts ► Has the appearance of metal ► Reflective capabilities

3. Presentation Contents ► Electroless plating ► Metal-spraying ► Sputtering ► Vacuum Metallizing

4. Introduction ► Metallized Finishes  Thin Coat of Metal  Applied to non-metallic surface ► Chemical Deposition ► Exposing surface to vaporized metal

5. Electroless Plating ► Applications  Automotive/decorative ► Types  Nickel  Copper  Silver

6. Electroless Plating Cont’d. ► Applied to surface  A line of baths and tanks ► Advantages  Very thin :.25 -.50 micrometers  High production volume  Shiny surface finish

7. Electroless Plating Cont’d. ► Disadvantages  Porous surface finish ► Premature corrosion  Limited flexibility

8. Metal-spraying ► Applications  Radio-frequency-interference (rfi) shielding ► Types  Zinc  Aluminum  Copper

9. Metal-spraying Cont’d. ► Two Methods  Flame  ARC ► Applied to surface  Sprayer head  Metal wire  Electrical contacts  Compressed air  Flammable gas orifices (Flame)

10. Metal-spraying Cont’d. ► Advantages  Protects against corrosion  Inexpensive equipment and materials  Easily applied to inside surfaces ► Disadvantages  Manpower Expensive  Lower density than other coatings  Slow process

11. Sputtering ► Applications  Semi-conductors  Insulators  Silicon wafers ► Types  Unlimited Materials

12. Sputtering Cont’d. ► Applied to surface  Utilizes energetic particle bombardment  Atoms collide with target ► Advantages  Adaptable to hybrid processes  Material selection  Inexpensive equipment ► Disadvantages  Stresses can develop within coating

13. Vacuum Metallizing ► Applications  Decorative ► Types  Primarily aluminum ► Applied to: Styrene, ABS, and Acrylic resins

14. Vacuum Metallizing Cont’d. ► Applied to surface  Basecoat applied  Vacuum pumps evaporate aluminum  Top coat applied ► Advantages  High luster finish  Greater protection than other processes ► Disadvantages  Expensive equipment

15. Conclusions ► Advantages of metallized finishes  Metal appearance at the cost of plastic  Lighter than metal parts  Versatility in applications ► Disadvantages of metallized finishes  Expensive processes  Complicated processes ► Advantages outweigh disadvantages for most applications.