Vacuum metallizing
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Vacuum metallizing is a process where a metallic coating material is placed in a vacuum chamber with the workpiece to be coated. The material that is being applied is then heated until it starts to evaporate; this vaporized metal condenses on the product or workpiece as a thin metallic film. As this is happening, the part is being rotated for uniformity of the coat. Thin layers of paint can then be applied to produce other colors. Once complete, a clear sealer is usually added to prevent flaking.
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[edit] Process characteristics
- Done within a vacuum
- Vaporizes the metal
- Can be used on glass, plastic, metal, ceramic, and paper materials
- Pieces being coated must be extremely clean
- It produces a very thin coat of metal
[edit] Target materials
Thickness ranges for 0.01 to 0.2 micrometres. When coating a piece it changes its conductivity, it improves its corrosion resistance, and it enhances its appearance. Some target metals are aluminum, copper, platinum, titanium, chromium titanium, gold, lead, nickel, silver, tin and tantalum.
[edit] How it works
The piece to be coated is placed inside the vacuum chamber on a rotating rack. A vacuum is created in the chamber and the metallizing material is then heated until it evaporates. The vaporized metal bonds to the piece, making a thin coating on the piece.
[edit] Bibliography
- Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting(1994). Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide (First Edition). New York: Industrial Press Inc.
