Metalizing refers to the process used to coat a surface or object with a metal coating. The object to which the metal coating is applied is referred to as the substrate. In Los Angeles metalizing is a huge industry comprised of several service companies that offer services for hire to the public. These companies provide services to clients as well as renting metalizing equipment. They offer affordable rates, which makes them worth considering.
The history of metallization in the modern world is a long one. It is as old as mirror-making, which began as far back as 1835. Mirrors of that time were made by coating glass surfaces with metallic silver. The process was only in its basic form and would soon be modified and enhanced a lot. Advancements in technology played a major role in enhancing the process.
When this process was first invented, there was limitation on the number of materials that could be metallized. Metals were the most commonly metallized materials. However, when ABS plastic was invented, the types of materials that could be metal coated increased significantly. Non-metallic materials could be metallized with ease. The number of methods that could be used to metalize surfaces also increased. Justus von Liebig, a German scientist and inventor, is responsible for inventing the metalizing process.
The fact that non-metallic substrates are not good conductors presents a challenge when it comes to coating them. Being able to conduct heat or electricity is vital to this process, something that non-conductors cannot do. This shortcoming is overcome by turning non-metallic substrates into conductors first before proceeding with the process. One of the ways to do this is by etching them chemically through a suitable process.
Chemical etching can be achieved through various techniques. The use of acid mixtures is one of the methods commonly used. Acid mixture used is sulfuric acid and chromic acid. The mixture has to be hot for effective results to be achieved. Once chemical etching is through, the surface needs to be sensitized and activated. Dipping it in palladium chloride after dipping in tin (II) chloride does the trick. Electroless nickel or copper is then coated afterwards.
Before any of the above steps are done, the surface to be metallized must be prepared carefully and thoroughly. Site or surface preparation takes on different forms depending on the kind of surface in question. Surface preparation is necessary in order to improve the bond that is formed between the surface of the substrate and the metal coating applied.
The metal coat that is applied onto substrates has several different functions. One of the purposes is to protect surfaces against corrosion by various elements. According to research findings, protection against corrosion can be provided for over 30 years by a single layer if well applied. This duration is dependent on factors such as the thickness of the coating, application method, and sealing.
Metalizing is done is a specially designed equipment. The equipment comprises of a chamber in which the substrate is placed for coating. The equipment can be very large in some cases to handle large substrates. Other small handheld devices are also available for metal coating very large and irregular substrates.
The history of metallization in the modern world is a long one. It is as old as mirror-making, which began as far back as 1835. Mirrors of that time were made by coating glass surfaces with metallic silver. The process was only in its basic form and would soon be modified and enhanced a lot. Advancements in technology played a major role in enhancing the process.
When this process was first invented, there was limitation on the number of materials that could be metallized. Metals were the most commonly metallized materials. However, when ABS plastic was invented, the types of materials that could be metal coated increased significantly. Non-metallic materials could be metallized with ease. The number of methods that could be used to metalize surfaces also increased. Justus von Liebig, a German scientist and inventor, is responsible for inventing the metalizing process.
The fact that non-metallic substrates are not good conductors presents a challenge when it comes to coating them. Being able to conduct heat or electricity is vital to this process, something that non-conductors cannot do. This shortcoming is overcome by turning non-metallic substrates into conductors first before proceeding with the process. One of the ways to do this is by etching them chemically through a suitable process.
Chemical etching can be achieved through various techniques. The use of acid mixtures is one of the methods commonly used. Acid mixture used is sulfuric acid and chromic acid. The mixture has to be hot for effective results to be achieved. Once chemical etching is through, the surface needs to be sensitized and activated. Dipping it in palladium chloride after dipping in tin (II) chloride does the trick. Electroless nickel or copper is then coated afterwards.
Before any of the above steps are done, the surface to be metallized must be prepared carefully and thoroughly. Site or surface preparation takes on different forms depending on the kind of surface in question. Surface preparation is necessary in order to improve the bond that is formed between the surface of the substrate and the metal coating applied.
The metal coat that is applied onto substrates has several different functions. One of the purposes is to protect surfaces against corrosion by various elements. According to research findings, protection against corrosion can be provided for over 30 years by a single layer if well applied. This duration is dependent on factors such as the thickness of the coating, application method, and sealing.
Metalizing is done is a specially designed equipment. The equipment comprises of a chamber in which the substrate is placed for coating. The equipment can be very large in some cases to handle large substrates. Other small handheld devices are also available for metal coating very large and irregular substrates.
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You can get a summary of important things to keep in mind when choosing a provider of Los Angeles metalizing services at http://www.masterpowdercoating.com right now.
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