Three Reasons Why Aluminum is the Best Metal for Vacuum Metalization

 

One of the most effective ways to make lightweight materials is through the process of vacuum metalization. This process produces metal layers that exhibit a variety of properties, such as corrosion resistance, aesthetic properties, and even functional characteristics. Today, 80% of high-vacuum processes are used for aesthetic purposes. However, they are also used for practical applications, such as in the automotive industry. Here are three reasons why aluminum is the best metal for vacuum metalization.

 

Vacuum metallizing has several advantages, including environmental and safety benefits. It is safer for the environment because it does not release any harmful chemical fumes, unlike other processes. Because vacuum metalization occurs inside a sealed environment, no vaporized metals are released into the surrounding air. Vacuum metalizing is more cost-effective than other processes, since it produces fewer hazardous materials. Further, because it is a physical process, vacuum metalizing is considered a more sustainable choice.

 

A custom vacuum metallizing fixture is essential for a successful vacuum metalization process. A custom fixture will hold the parts securely for maximum masking and painting results. Such a fixture requires significant investment and quality control. Prior to clamping, individual parts are inspected for visible defects. Pretreatment with a special primer improves adhesion and provides a smooth surface for paint finishes and metallization. After vacuum metalization, parts are placed in a curing oven.

 

Vacuum metallizing can be performed on complex shapes, and masking can be either hand or custom-made. However, if you need to manufacture more than one part at a time, custom mask tooling is the most effective method. This process is particularly useful for thermoformed parts, as it provides board-level EMI shielding. It can also be used to improve the appearance of parts by adding a metallic surface.

 

A chroming process according to the present invention involves a vacuum metalization process for aluminum and steel. The process involves four stages, including a base coat application stage, a two-step PVD stage, and a top coat application stage. Each of these stages employs particular process steps and formulations under specific process step parameters. The method may be environmentally friendly as it does not use harmful chemicals. If you are interested in chroming aluminum, this method is worth considering. Click here: https://vergason.com/services/vacuum-metalizing/ for more info about vacuum metalization process.

 

The resulting alloy surface is usually coated with electroless copper or nickel. The latter gives the product a useful adhesion force, but is considerably weaker than the actual metal-to-metal adhesion strength. A thin layer of metal can be too thin for many applications. To protect the thin metal layer, a protective top coat is applied. A top coat can also have aesthetic functions, such as being water-clear or transparent.

 

A vacuum metalization process involves the application of a chrome coating to a wheel without using hazardous solutions. The process begins by applying a primer coat on the wheel, which provides adhesion for the Cr coating. Then, the wheel is placed in a metalizing chamber. Afterward, a protective organic top coat is applied to the metalized layer. During this process, the wheel has a chrome-like finish, but it is not an exact substitute for plating and is not accepted by wheel manufacturers in the U.S.  Check out this related post that will enlighten you more on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_deposition.