Metallization

Plastic parts can be metallized for decorative or functional purposes. A thin metal coating can give parts a glossy appearance, enhanced reflectivity, improved abrasion resistance, or high electrical conductivity, or to provide electromagnetic shielding. Metallized plastic parts have several advantages over comparable plated metal parts, such as low weight, corrosion resistance, greater styling possibilities, ease of assembly, controllable electrical conductivity and low costs.

Several metallization techniques can be used on DSM products. Metallization can either be done in a direct process, like vacuum metallization, plating, flame or arc spraying and painting, or in an indirect process, in which a transfer film is pre-metallized by vacuum metallization. The metal layer is then transferred onto the part by means of hot transfer, hot foil stamping or in-mold decoration.

Painting with a coating that contains metal particles can give plastic parts a metal-like appearance and special electrically conductive paints can provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding.

Finishing and decorations home
Metallization
•Vacuum metallization
•Plating
•Flame and arc spraying
•Molding
•Recommendations
•Cleaning