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Aluminum coating

2005

Hi,

Can anyone enlighten on what is called "Aluminum coating". It is for a reflective part made of Lexan material (plastic).
What is the purpose and any alternative for this process.

Thank you

Aw Cheng Hock
- Singapore

Your question may be too broad, Aw Cheng, as there are many different aluminum coatings from dip-spin to hot-dip to flame spray to vacuum metallizing to electroplating, and each aluminum coating technology fills books.

But your question seems to imply an interest in "vacuum metallizing". This is a vacuum PVD process where aluminum is vaporized and condensed on the Lexan substrate to give it reflective qualities for use as a reflector for a lamp. There is usually a base coat before the metallizing, and a UV resistant clearcoat after it.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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2005

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