Vacuum Metallizing

In vacuum metallizing, a metallic coating material is place in a vacuum chamber with the workpiece to be coated.  Heat is applied to the coating material until it evaporates.  The vaporized metal then condenses on the workpiece as a thin metallic film.  Rotation of the part aids in uniformity of coating.

Process Characteristics

Is performed within a vacuum
Vaporizes the metal
Can be applied to glass, plastic, metal ceramic, and paper materials
Normally uses pure metals
Workpieces must be very clean
Produces a very thin coating of metal

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Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by Industrial Press Inc., 1994.