Plastic parts can be finished in other ways. Many plastics accept a wide range of coatings, although, when using oven-cured paints, be sure the plastic can survive the heat without distortion. Laser marking, which creates indelible letters and designs, is especially valuable with crystalline resins that do not take paint or ink well. Parts can be coated with metal in several ways. Vacuum metallization deposits a metallic vapor of silver, copper, gold or other metal on the part.
Advanced methods use an electron beam or a plasma to vaporize metal.
Some plastics can be electroplated after pretreatment to create durable and lightweight replacements for die-castings and sheet metal. Polymers are continually evolving to meet appliance industry needs. N.J. To obtain FREE information about the products and companies mentioned in this article, please use our Webcard . Copyright 2001 by Business News Publishing Co.