Q. What is EMC?

A. EMC (or Electromagnetic Compatibility) is the measure of a piece of equipment's ability to neither radiate nor conduct electromagnetic energy or to be susceptible to the effects of outside energy sources.

Q. What does thin-film metallization do?

A. Thin-film metallization coats a thin film of metal onto other metals, plastics, glass or ceramics. It is used for electronic shielding, reflectivity, cosmetic and optical purposes.

Q. Is it expensive?

A. Thin-film metallization is the least expensive solution for medium to small parts. It has quality and performance advantages for larger parts that make it a cost-efficient solution for them as well.

Q. Is the fixturing expensive?

A. Although the cost varies depending upon volume and size of parts, the typical cost runs between $3,000 to $5,000 for multiple parts.

Q. Is this my best option for EMI, RFI and ESD protection?

A. In most cases it is. Call us to discuss how well it compares to other solutions in meeting your product design and manufacturing challenges.

Q. Do you provide design support and how much does it cost?

A. Plastic-Metals Technologies provides design support and we do it for free as part of our service. If you need extensive development and testing, we are also available for design consulting.

Q. What lead time is required?

A. A new product typically takes less than 6 weeks. Continuing product lead time generally runs less than one week.

Q. What are the environmental impacts?

A. Plastic-Metals Technologies' thin-film metallization process is environmentally friendly and emits no VOCs.

Q. Does this solution meet UL requirements?

A. UL certification is for adhesion and is dependent upon the specific plastic substrate and metallization process used.

Q. Does the process address part distortion?

A. There is no heat distortion from the thin-film metallization process.

Q. Are coatings easily removed for plastic recycling?

A. Yes, all coatings are easily removed when your plastics are ready to be recycled.

Q. What environmental tests will thin-film metallized parts meet?

A. They will pass a 95% humidity at 65 degrees Celsius test for more than 24 hours.

Q. What about oxidation of the aluminum film over time?

A. The aluminum coating is oxided when first exposed to the air after the thin-film metallization process. The surface and resistance after the initial exposure remain constant over time.

Q. How thick is the coating?

A. Typically, the total thickness of metal coatings is approximately 10,000 angstroms or about one micron thick.

If you have further questions, please contact us. We'd welcome the chance to discuss your questions and product design and manufacturing needs.