Evaporating Gold Colored Alloys
In several of our TIPs, we mention the evaporation of gold and gold-colored materials. This TIP explores the subject in greater depth.Many metallizers achieve gold colors by evaporating aluminum and...
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Evaporating Gold Colored Alloys -
Maintaining Your MetallizerMaintaining Your Metallizer
Down time on a metallizing unit can be very costly in terms of repair and lost production. It is prudent, therefore, to follow a regular maintenance program and to be...
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Diffusion PumpsDiffusion Pumps
The diffusion pump is sometimes confusing to people because it has no moving parts. It operates quite differently than a gas displacement pump, such as a mechanical pump. A mechanical...
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How Far to Pump DownHow Far to Pump Down
We are frequently asked what the best vacuum level is for metallizing. There are several factors that must be considered when choosing the proper vacuum level. We will examine them...
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Tip-top Top TipsTip-top Top Tips
Our tops are designed to spin for a long time. There can be a learning curve for some people due to the density of our tungsten tops. Your spinning abilities...
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Leaks and Gas LoadsLeaks and Gas Loads
When designing, operating, or repairing a vacuum metallizing system, much attention is given to the removal of gases from the system. The efficiency of the pumping system and size of...
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Q & A - Aluminum EvaporantsQ & A - Aluminum Evaporants
I’m doing shielding work. How can I deposit more aluminum?A: If you have enough room and power, you should add more filaments rather than just increase the amount of aluminum...
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Metallizing TroubleshootingMetallizing Troubleshooting
Vacuum Metallizing TroubleshootingThere are several areas in which vacuum metallizing problems may occur. These problems may exist separately or in combination. Your challenge is to determine whether you should be...
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Problems in Spraying + Air Make Up for LacquersProblems in Spraying + Air Make Up for Lacquers
Paint SagsMay be caused by holding a gun too close to part or using the wrong solvent. Keep gun 8 inches away from the part and spray lacquer at 45...
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Basecoats for Vacuum MetallizingBasecoats for Vacuum Metallizing
This TIP is a commentary on thermal-cured lacquers used for basecoating in vacuum metallizing. The role lacquers play in vacuum metallizing is as important as the metallizing itself for many...
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Coloring TopcoatColoring Topcoat
Most decorative metallizers deposit aluminum because it is easy and gives a bright reflective surface which can pass for silver or chrome. Colors are a different matter. Copper isn’t too...
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Contamination PreventionContamination Prevention
WAX is a cause of adhesion failure on edges or corners. The wax comes from waxed paper used in packaging parts or from wax-lined cartons. As a part is taken...
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Water Vapor and Vacuum MetallizingWater Vapor and Vacuum Metallizing
Water vapor is a factor in all metallizing systems. The presence of water vapor in a chamber can have adverse effects on product throughput, quality of the finished product, and...
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Troubleshooting the Batch Vacuum MetallizerTroubleshooting the Batch Vacuum Metallizer
Read Part I – Vacuum Metallizing TroubleshootingTroubleshooting coating defects on batch vacuum metallized parts can be frustrating and time-consuming. Productivity declines and costs rise as time is spent chasing problems....
