We perform three different types of Sputtered Coatings:
- Decorative Coatings – This type of coating is generally used to enhance the appearance of the part. With colors ranging from Aluminum, Brass, Copper, to Chrome a perfect match can be found for your application.
- Reflective Coatings – A highly reflective coating (generally Aluminum with a protective Topcoat).
- EMI/RFI/ESD Coatings – These are generally a highly conductive material(s) deposited on the component.
The sputtering process is performed by evacuating the process chamber containing the parts to be coated down to ~4x10-4 Torr 1) (atmosphere is about 760 Torr) using a combination of vacuum pumps. Once the chamber reaches the processing vacuum level the sputtering process begins:
First Argon is introduced into the chamber. Next, a high negative voltage (-1600 VDC) is applied to the Cathode/Sputtering Target. This high voltage rips an electron from the Argon creating a positively charged Argon Ion (Ar+) and a high energy plasma. This Ion is accelerated into the target material by a high negative (-700 VDC) voltage which is applied to the cathode/target. When the Ion collides with the target material atoms of the target material are ejected away from the target surface depositing on the parts in the chamber.
1) This value depends on the type of material and process being applied.
SURFACE ENHANCEMENT
There are two types of surface enhancement:
Plasma Cleaning and Plasma Polymerization.
Plasma Cleaning – This process is generally performed using Ar or O2 to microscopically roughen up and clean
the surface of a part to promote the adhesion of paint
of metalized coatings.
Plasma Polymerization – This process is performed by using Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) to built up a chemical/moisture resistant barrier to the part surface
to protect against corrosion of the metalized surface.
With the ever-growing concerns of environmental friendliness
we offer a replacement to Chrome plating using our Sputtered Chrome technology without the use of toxic chemicals.
Unsurpassed in quality and durability, Hicks Plastics offers unpresedented chrome coating and plastics paint finishes for automotive, marine, sporting goods and custom made parts.
Whatever your plastics needs, Hicks Plastics can accomodate your custom parts order because we are equipped with one of the widest variety of specialized Injection Molding machines
and Metalized Coating facilities in the country.
Our team of plastics experts are second to non when it comes
to product run completion. Quality Control is top priority from start to finish and our complete parts assembly assures that
all processes are done with the strict industry
standards.
