Greg Wann Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 or vacuum metalizing is the proper term for adhering chrome to plastic parts. Is there anyone on this board that has an idea of how I might create a system in my home. I do have a vacuum chamber. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you, Greg
bobthehobbyguy Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 Never heard of it being done at home. Regular plating would be easier. Look into the process jsed for bronzing baby shoes.
Ace-Garageguy Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 (edited) Vacuum Metallization "Before the process can begin, the plastic component is washed and coated with a base coat, so that the metal layer is smooth and uniform. Next, a metal (typically aluminum) is evaporated in a vacuum chamber. The vapor then condenses onto the surface of the substrate, leaving a thin layer of metal coating. The entire process takes place within a vacuum chamber to prevent oxidation. This deposition process is also commonly called physical vapor deposition. Depending on the component’s application, a top coat may be applied after deposition to increase properties such as abrasion resistance. Metalized plastic components that receive their coats via this process are found in a range of applications, from automotive interior parts to certain types of foils." "Vacuum metalizing" comes under the heading pf "physical vapor deposition". Here's a general wiki article explaining the process. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_vapor_deposition The tricky bit is producing a metallic vapor, and getting it to go where you want it to go (the inside of the chamber and the fixture holding the part get "plated" too). I would think it's entirely possible to build a home unit with sufficient research, machining and fabrication capabilities and knowledge of electronics and electricity. This google search will give you many links to follow for additional information. https://www.google.com/search?q=physical+vapor+deposition&espv=2&biw=1600&bih=731&site=webhp&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=pNiSVfT9PImvggTpxYLQBQ&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg&dpr=1 Edited June 30, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy
Greg Wann Posted June 30, 2015 Author Posted June 30, 2015 Thank you for your kind help, I will see if I can understand it. I do work at a university. I will see if I can find someone there that knows.
Dave Ambrose Posted June 30, 2015 Posted June 30, 2015 It's probably way simpler to send your parts out for plating. What kind of vacuum system do you have? You'll need more than a mechanical pump to vapor deposit aluminum. You should at least have a diffusion(?) pump to get the vacuum low enough. You'll also have to accept that it's going to get dirty enough that you won't be able to do other kinds of vacuum deposition with it.
Greg Wann Posted July 1, 2015 Author Posted July 1, 2015 It's probably way simpler to send your parts out for plating. What kind of vacuum system do you have? You'll need more than a mechanical pump to vapor deposit aluminum. You should at least have a diffusion(?) pump to get the vacuum low enough. You'll also have to accept that it's going to get dirty enough that you won't be able to do other kinds of vacuum deposition with it. I de air silicone with a 2 stage Robin Air vacuum pump, a typical AC mechanic piece of equipment. It has no problem achieving 30 Heg of vacuum. I'm on a information gathering mode. I should perhaps look for a forum online that might be more suited to this subject. And perhaps I might just have to wait until I get rich and just by the suitable equipment.
Dave Ambrose Posted July 1, 2015 Posted July 1, 2015 You need 10-4 mm Hg pressure to coat aluminum. That's a long way from 2mm Hg. Vacuum leaks are a constant problem at these pressures (or lack thereof).
Chief Joseph Posted July 1, 2015 Posted July 1, 2015 I de air silicone with a 2 stage Robin Air vacuum pump, a typical AC mechanic piece of equipment. It has no problem achieving 30 Heg of vacuum. I'm on a information gathering mode. I should perhaps look for a forum online that might be more suited to this subject. And perhaps I might just have to wait until I get rich and just by the suitable equipment. The telescope-making guys need this process to coat their mirrors, so you could look in on some of their forums.
bobthehobbyguy Posted July 1, 2015 Posted July 1, 2015 http://www.cosmichrome.com/ Check out the link above. Also if you look on ebay its about 400 dollars for a starter system. Saw an article in Rod and Custom a number of years ago.
Greg Wann Posted July 4, 2015 Author Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) http://www.cosmichrome.com/ Check out the link above. Also if you look on ebay its about 400 dollars for a starter system. Saw an article in Rod and Custom a number of years ago. Thank you, Bob, I will look into this, I like it! http://www.sprayonchrome.com/patentpage.html I also found this. I have some homework to do. Edited July 4, 2015 by Greg Wann
charlie8575 Posted July 6, 2015 Posted July 6, 2015 I know DRAG is using Cosmi-Chrome for some of their stuff. It's a little bit of a learning curve, but the results from what Jeff has said, have been quite good. Charlie Larkin
Greg Wann Posted July 7, 2015 Author Posted July 7, 2015 I know DRAG is using Cosmi-Chrome for some of their stuff. It's a little bit of a learning curve, but the results from what Jeff has said, have been quite good. Charlie Larkin Thank you for the info, Charlie.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now