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ePD metallization of plastic parts cuts cost and environmental impact
Oerlikon Metaplas
Metalized plastic parts combine the high-quality look of chrome-plated metals with the low weight of plastic. This makes them particularly attractive for use in the automotive industry, and they are also increasingly being used for other applications such as electronic devices and bathroom fittings.
Oerlikon Balzers, a supplier of surface solutions headquartered in Liechtenstein, has developed the BALSHINE family of coatings based on the innovative ePD process for the metalization of plastic parts. The BALSHINE coatings also enable additional component functionality and open up new possibilities for designers, such as backlit touch keys, new metallic colors and the ability to hide sensors behind the decorative coatings. An innovative integrated production systems solution allows economical metalization of plastic parts suitable for series production, and creates opportunities for innovation, which is of particular interest for the automotive industry.
Common plating techniques – particularly the chromium VI compounds and nickel used in galvanic processes – pose hazards to people and the environment. In light of the European REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals), the use of chromium VI is now strongly regulated, and a future ban can no longer be ruled out.
ePD (embedded PVD for Design parts) is a sustainable, eco-friendly coating technology developed by Oerlikon Balzers for the metalization of plastics. It enables new functionality, greater freedom of design and high-volume inline production, using only REACH-compliant media in the process or the final product.
Booth: A4364