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Metallising

Home Metallising

Metallising – PVD

Specialists in vacuum metallising since 1973

Physical vapour deposition (PVD) is often used as a generic term for various thin-film metal coatings applied under vacuum. Of the various techniques used, AMB applies vacuum metallising. One or more metals are vaporised under a vacuum and the vapour cloud formed then condenses on the substrate, i.e. the part intended for coating.

Thin coating or “thick” is determined by the purpose

We coat various plastics with a thin layer of aluminium or nickel chrome alloy to achieve different effects. Coating thickness varies between around 80 nm to 5 µm, depending on the effect or function to be achieved. AMB uses the method for decorative, reflective, and shielding purposes. Reflective and decorative surfaces are achieved using coating thicknesses below 100 nm. The mirror-like surface can then be used for different types of reflectors. The mirror surface itself is decorative but can also be combined with various tinted or special pigmented lacquers for very fine gloss or matte metallic effects. Silver, gold, chrome or anodised effects are some of our customers’ most popular choices. Coating thicknesses approaching 5 µm are used in the case of EMC and other shielding.

Eco-friendly technology

PVD coatings are resource-efficient and eco-friendly due to the very thin layers and because no environmentally harmful baths or solvents are used. The technique should not be confused with electroplating or chrome plating, which are both electrolytic processes.

Metallising for decoration

For the coating to achieve the mirror-like effect, it is essential that the surface be as smooth as possible. Most plastic surfaces are not good enough, but we remedy this with a special surface smoothing primer. The rings in an Audi steering wheel or the bathroom washbasin drain are typical examples of plastic components using a thin, decorative metallic surface.

Wherever there is a need to achieve a metallic surface or effect in an eco-friendly way, our techniques are particularly useful, especially in indoor products.

We coat the plastic parts with a very thin layer of aluminium, which is then sealed with various clear lacquers. This gives the plastic a matte or gloss metallic finish that is perceived visually as solid metal.
Any material that can be lacquered is suitable for metallising, including glass and different metals. Practically all amorphous plastics such as ABS, PC or PS are suitable. We can also metallise certain semi-crystalline thermoplastics such as PA and PP. AMB coats thousands of components for applications within lighting, HVAC, toys, baby’s dummies, household appliances and so forth.

Metallising for reflection

The quality of a reflector determines how efficiently a light source is made use of. A plastic reflector coated with a thin reflecting layer of aluminium is ideal in many respects. It is resource-efficient, eco-friendly while also providing a high light yield. The design properties of plastic also allow the creation of optimal reflectors. The application controls the choice of materials; polycarbonate or PBT is suitable for compact fluorescent tubes while PPS is best for halogen headlights.

AMB has the expertise to help you choose the right material and the experience to mould high quality reflectors with various protective coatings. We retain full control of the process through our integrated production concept where we link injection moulding to metallising for reflection and surface protection characteristics by means of various lacquer finishes.

Metallising for EMC shielding

The world around us is full of electronic devices, all of which are potential sources of interference. Today, there are requirements that no equipment be allowed to interfere with other systems through electromagnetic interference (EMI).

AMB shields plastic parts which incorporate various types of electronics. A shielded plastic cover prevents the device from emitting or suffering interference from electromagnetic radiation. We do this by applying a 3–5 µm film of aluminium. Hitherto, AMB has used this effective method to shield over 100 million plastic components used in both consumer electronics and industrial applications.

The method is also excellent for very complicated parts that only require partial coating.

Services

  • Project Management
  • Design and engineering
  • Mould filling simulation
  • Creating tools
  • Quality assurance
  • Validation and documentation
  • Measurement and testing
  • Packaging and logistics

Processes

  • Injection moulding
  • Metallising
  • Cleanroom production
  • Lacquering
  • Assembly
  • Sterile packaging
  • Product labelling
  • Joining
AMB Logo


AMB Industri AB is specialised in injection molding and surface treatment of plastics, mainly in the medical field. We also have cleanroom production with fully automatic assembly of medical disposable items.

Our factory is located idyllically at the Lyckebyå river in the southeast of Sweden. AMB was founded in 1946 and is today family owned in the third generation.

Contact us

  • AMB Industri AB
  • Kvarnvägen 26, Broakulla, Sweden
  • +46 471 485 00
  • info@amb.se

News

  • 10 tips for the industrialization of your plastic product 16 March, 2022
  • Help! How do I give my medical device a CE mark? 11 December, 2021
  • Tips to become successful on the medtech market 11 November, 2021
  • The history of hemodialysis and the significance of plastics for dialysis 30 September, 2021

Customer solutions

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© 2022 — AMB Industri AB

  • Plastic parts. Refined.

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