Direct Metal Deposition Services
Direct metal deposition is a surface treatment process in which metal is heated until it evaporates. The vaporized metal can be used to coat components and provide enhanced EMI shielding.
packages available
Deep Coat’s Direct Metal Deposition Process
Utilizing a combination of diffusion pumps and chillers, our vacuum chambers operate at incredibly low pressures to sufficiently coat your product with whichever metals you desire. Deep Coat provides two common direct metal deposition packages: Quad-Fire (four layers of metal in a single vacuum draw) and Dual-Fire (two layers of metal in a single vacuum draw). Our existing customers most commonly request either Stainless Steel/Copper/Copper/Stainless Steel or Copper/Copper/Nickel/Nickel coatings as a Quad-Fire solution. Copper/Aluminum vapor deposition on plastic is a common Dual-Fire solution. These metal combinations provide broad-range EMI shielding and environmental protection from the stainless steel or aluminum top layer.
Within the confines of galvanic compatibility, we can supplement any of the following metals into our direct metal deposition process:
Our Metal EMI/RFI Shielding Materials






Upon request, other metals can be used as well, however, these are the most common among our customer base and provide the most broad-range EMI protection.
Deep Coat can accommodate single layer coatings or multiple layers of the same metal to meet a wider range of EMI shielding needs. Additionally, the Quad-Fire and Dual-Fire processes can be replicated to provide thicker layers of metal for enhanced interference attenuation.
Deep Coat ensures our coatings are repeatable and consistent through visual inspections, ASTM adhesion testing, and surface resistivity testing. We have a vendor network capable of providing thickness measurements and enhanced testing for highly specialized customer needs. Additionally, several of our processes are UL certified on certain plastic substrates—contact us to find out more about our UL certifications as they apply to your industry.
component shielding
Printed Circuit Board Shields (PCB Shields)
Deep Coat can build customized PCB shields to fit snugly onto your circuit boards for effective EMI shielding. We have both in-house and vendor-provided thermoforming capabilities for low-cost PCB shields. We also have relationships with plastic molding companies and 3D printing companies to support the fabrication of your PCB shields.
Deep Coat can provide circuit board shielding on either the inside or the outside surfaces of your insert shield based on your shielding and minimum electrical clearance requirements. And your surface resistivity requirements will determine how many metal layers we deposit onto your shield.
with a coated insert
Insert Shields
Similar to PCB shields, Deep Coat can work with you to develop custom insert shields. Just as a PCB shield can be developed when an assembly or housing is incompatible with metal coatings, insert shields can be fabricated and metalized to fit inside your assembly. Options include thermoformed, 3D printed, or injection molded shields, and we can work with companies within your existing supply base or provide recommendations from our network.
Deep Coat can provide shielding on either the inside or the outside surfaces of your insert shield based on your shielding and minimum electrical clearance requirements. And your surface resistivity requirements will determine how many metal layers we deposit onto your shield.