Written by: Denton Vacuum, LLC
Summary: Plastic that has a thin metal coating has enabled manufacturers to do more with fewer materials.
The process of vacuum metallization has enabled manufacturers to use plastic in devices that would normally shatter or melt it within seconds. Metallization involves a thin coating of metal, strong enough to lend its properties to the plastic, but thin enough to reduce waste and cost. His revolutionary process involves some high-level science.
Metal Finishes
You can think of metallization like applying a metal finish to something. Sputtering systems are used to achieve a brushed aluminum look on metal piping, or they can add the same effect to plastic coated in metal. This process works like a spray canister, with a nozzle that spurts metal onto the object in an even coating.
A sputter deposition system is best used for applications that do not require a smooth finish. The systems coat evenly, but you may have some small defects.
Vacuum systems tend to coat evenly with the metallic, shiny finish that consumers know. This technology is used frequently in the creation of NASCAR parts. It gives them the sheen of a high-polished engine without costing too much to produce. Remember, these engines are extremely high performance and wear parts quickly. Automobiles and planes in general are more sustainable thanks to cheaper plastics that have been metalized.
Conclusions
Metals, especially rare earth metals, are difficult to obtain and are very much in limited quantity. This is part of what drives the value consumers pay for products on the shelf. Technology like metallization is enabling manufacturers to create products that utilize fewer materials.