- What does the chemical metallization equipment "Meta-chrome" comprise of?
- How is the process of chemical metallization carried out?
- What kind of equipment is required to carry out the process of chemical metallization?
- How long does the whole process of chemical metallization take?
- How difficult is the process of chemical metallization, and do I need to have special training in painting?
- Is it necessary to have a specialized facility to carry out chemical metallization?
- What is the cost of plating in comparison to the cost of plating using the traditional electroplating process?
- Is it possible to use primer and lacquer manufactured by other producers?
- Is it possible to metallize engine parts or the components of an exhaust system?
- Is the metalized coating conductive, and is it possible to electroplate an item after chemical metallization?
- Is the metallic coating sufficiently hard and durable?
- How can we get orders for metallization work, and which market segment do you recommend as the best place to begin?
- How long does delivery take, how can I order the equipment if I live in a different city, and how would chemicals be delivered in the future?
What does the chemical metallization equipment "Meta-chrome" comprise of?
The chemical metallization equipment “meta-chrome” is comprised of a moveable platform, fitted with 4 airtight head tanks, connected to each other with flexible pipes, and the distributor module fitted with a special spray gun. All the necessary controls and regulations during the process of chemical metallization are carried out with the help of pressure gauges and pressure valves, which are installed on the front panel.
How is the process of chemical metallization carried out?
First of all, the item surface is activated using the chemical metallization equipment, and is preliminarily coated with the binder. Then the item is washed with distilled or de-ionized water, and sprayed with specially prepared chemical reagents, as a result of which the chemical reaction creates a snow-white, mirror like metallic coating on the surface. After this, the metallic layer is coated with protective lacquer.
What kind of equipment is required to carry out the process of chemical metallization?
For the application of the binder and the protective lacquer, you’ll need the standard spray gun, as used for ordinary paint jobs. To carry out the process of chemical metallization and for the application of the mirror like metallic layer, the “Meta-chrome” chemical metallization equipment is used.
How long does the whole process of chemical metallization take?
Using the convectional drying method for drying the binder and the protective lacquer coating, the whole process of metallization and the achievement of a mirror like metallic coating takes around 6 to 7 hours. Normally, the different stages of the process are carried out in the following order: the binder is applied to the surface in the morning, after which the item is left for 45-50 minutes at room temperature in a dust-free facility. Then we subsequently carry out a rapid drying process within 1-2 hours. After this, the item is left for an hour at room temperature, and then the process of chemical metallization is carried out. After metallization the item is dried for 15-20 minutes at 35-40°C and the surface is then coated with the protective lacquer.
How difficult is the process of chemical metallization, and do I need to have special training in painting?
Despite the special technique used in this process, a chemical metallization job is very similar to ordinary paint spraying, is not technically difficult, and does not require any special experience or training. Prepare some samples and simultaneously practice how to carry out the process of chemical metallization, how to apply the binder or the protective lacquer, and in just a few days you’ll be working like a trained professional. If necessary, you can always come to us for additional training, or send a member of your team for training.
Is it necessary to have a specialized facility to carry out chemical metallization?
The basic requirements, involved in the process of metallization, are cleanliness, a minimization of dust in the air, the availability of exhaust ventilation, and the capability to maintain an air temperature of no lower than 20°C. We use the standard paint box for metallization, binder coating and lacquer finishing; the requirements are the same as for ordinary paint jobs.
What is the cost of plating in comparison to the cost of plating using the traditional electroplating process?
The cost of metal plating with the help of the chemical metallization process is 25-30% lower than the cost of applying a similar coating using the electroplating method, the coating can be applied to any kind of surface, and unlike the electroplating process, the process of chemical metallization does not involve the use of carcinogens and toxic components.
Is it possible to use primer and lacquer manufactured by other producers?
The binding primer and protective lacquer offered by our company were specially developed for the process of chemical metallization, are active in relation to the applied metallic layer, and better in terms of the reflective and protective properties of the metallic coating. As we have noted, the use of even very similar primers and lacquers do not provide sufficient adhesion, and do not help in achieving an even mirror like gloss finish on the metallic coating.
Is it possible to metallize engine parts or the components of an exhaust system?
No. The maximum temperature at which the coating retains its shine must not be more than 165-170°C. Even chrome-plated parts, if exposed to such temperatures for a long period of time, develop opalescent streaks and many plastics start melting at such temperatures.
Is the metalized coating conductive, and is it possible to electroplate an item after chemical metallization?
Yes, it is conductive. After chemical metallization the surface becomes totally conductive. Having said that, we do not use this process to achieve a conductive layer. We use the mirror like metallic layer as an intermediate step, while decorating the surface to create a highly reflective, metallic surface coating.
.Is the metallic coating sufficiently hard and durable?
After metallization and the application of the protective lacquer, the coating is even harder and more durable than the paint or enamel applied to an automobile in a factory. If necessary, to make the layer even harder, the surface can be coated with ceramic or silicon organic paint.
How can we get orders for metallization work, and which market segment do you recommend as the best place to begin?
One of the biggest segments for this business is the car and motorcycle customization market: metallization of body parts, interior details, restoration of worn out chrome-plating etc. Many of our customers, while setting up such a business, sent us different automobile parts, accessories etc for metallization and later used them as samples in their showrooms, in order to demonstrate the quality of the metallization process and to get plating orders. We recommend that you start by making samples of different materials. This will better demonstrate the capabilities of the technology, and will allow you to attract more customers from different market segments.
How long does delivery take, how can I order the equipment if I live in a different city, and how would chemicals be delivered in the future?
The equipment is delivered within 5-7 days on average, after payment. Equipment delivery and the delivery of chemicals is carried out in the traditional way, through freight transporters or through personal delivery. The equipment is supplied in a specialized tare, and the chemicals, during the winter, are delivered in special, temperature controlled containers.
