Metallisaatio

Metallisaatio is a coating technique in which a metal layer is deposited onto a surface to improve properties such as corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, or decorative appearance. The term covers several methods that differ in energy input, chemical routes, and substrate compatibility.

Common methods include vacuum-based physical vapor deposition (PVD), such as evaporation and sputtering, which transfer metal onto the surface in a controlled thin film. Chemical metallization includes electroless plating and electroplating, where a metal is deposited from solution via redox reactions. Other techniques include chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of metals and, in some cases, galvanic or hot-dip processes for thicker coatings on metals.

Substrates range from polymers, ceramics and glass to wood and textiles; coatings are used on metals as underlayers or functional layers. Adhesion relies on surface pretreatment: cleaning, drying, roughening, chemical primers, and adhesion promoters or seed layers to enable uniform deposition.

Typical metals applied include aluminum, nickel, chromium, copper, gold, silver, tin, and zinc. Applications span electronics (interconnects, contacts, reflectors), optics (mirror and anti-reflective coatings), automotive and consumer electronics (decorative chrome, EMI shielding), packaging, and corrosion or wear protection.

Coating thickness generally ranges from a few nanometers up to tens of micrometers, depending on method and application. Process engineers consider substrate compatibility, adhesion, coating uniformity, cost, and environmental and safety factors.