Metallischeren

Metallischeren is a term used in materials science to describe the process of applying a metallic coating to a substrate in order to impart metallic properties, such as electrical conductivity, reflectivity, wear resistance, or corrosion protection. In technical literature the term is commonly used as a synonym for metallization or metal coating.

Common methods include electroplating (galvanic deposition), electroless plating, physical vapor deposition (PVD) such as evaporation and sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and various thermal spray techniques including flame spray, arc spray, and plasma spray. Bonding of metallic foils or powders to a surface is another approach. The choice of method depends on the required coating thickness, material compatibility, geometric complexity, and performance goals.

Metallischeren can be applied to metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, but adhesion depends on surface preparation, cleanliness, roughening, and the use of primers or interlayers. Surface treatment, temperature, and the presence of oxides or contaminants influence coating durability.

Applications span corrosion protection for infrastructure and pipelines, EMI shielding and conductive paths in electronics, reflective or decorative coatings, and functional coatings in automotive or aerospace components. In microfabrication, metallization processes create circuit traces and contact pads through selective deposition.

Coating thickness typically ranges from a few nanometers to several micrometers, with process selection balancing cost, environmental considerations, substrate compatibility, and potential issues such as diffusion, intermetallic formation, or coating delamination. The practice has historical roots in galvanization and electroplating, while modern PVD, CVD, and thermal spraying extend capabilities for advanced materials and complex geometries.