Metallizing

 

Vacuum metallizing consists of evaporating aluminium (pure 99,5%) to give a metallic effect to flexible substrates (plastic films and textiles).

The aluminium, when it comes into contact with the crucibles heated to a very high temperature (1500° C), changes from a solid to a gaseous state. It then condenses on the film, which is unwound on two cooled drum cylinders (so that the film is not melted by the heat).

Deposition : the thickness of the aluminium, which is also called the “load”, varies from 5 to 80 nanometres depending on the applications.
Substrates : films from 6 to 125 microns – Fabrics

Why vacuum metallize ?

Metallizing is carried out in a vacuum because the temperature can be reduced to 1,500°C , instead of 3,000°C at normal atmospheric pressure. this results in substantial energy savings. At the same time, it gives a brighter appearance to the product as it prevents the oxidation of the aluminium.