The Benefits of Vacuum Metalizing

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) disrupts device function. One shielding application to prevent EMI is vacuum metalization. The vacuum metalizing process involves treating a substrate, vaporizing a metal, and depositing it onto the surface. There are marked benefits to vacuum metalizing—read on to learn what they are and why vacuum metalizing is an innovative solution for your EMI shielding needs.

Vacuum Metalizing Is Safe and Environmentally Friendly

First, the benefits of vacuum metalizing include its safety and environmental-friendliness. Particularly when considering electroless plating and chemical-based coating in general, vacuum metalization has safety and environmental advantages. Specifically, it doesn’t give off harmful chemical fumes like electroless plating does, preserving the health of the workers while not subjecting the surrounding environment to emitted chemicals. In fact, the vacuum metalization process takes place within an enclosed space that prevents vaporized metals from reaching the outside, essentially eliminating potential health and environmental risks.

It Ensures Conductivity and EMI Shielding

Vacuum-metalized surfaces are also highly conductive and effective at shielding EMI. Vacuum-metalized devices can attenuate incoming frequencies so they don’t impact function and are a great option for several different kinds of surfaces, plastics being one notable example. Based on the metals you choose for your EMI attenuation, this shield is also quite corrosion- and rust-resistant wherever you apply it, so you can expect your metalized devices to limit electromagnetic interference for years without issue.

It Is Cost-Effective

For several reasons, vacuum metalization is also cost-effective relative to other shielding techniques. While vaporizing metal and depositing it onto a surface sounds complex, it’s a streamlined option relative to electroless plating, for example. Electroless plating involves etching a substrate with acid and then catalyzing a substance onto the surface. The precise reactions and conditions required for electroless plating make this option less cost-effective, and more intrusive to the substrate, than vacuum metalizing, which less intrusively applies a conductive metalized layer to the substrate.

If you have more questions about the benefits of vacuum metalizing, contact our knowledgeable team at Deep Coat Industries. We’re happy to advise you on effectively protecting your devices from EMI and draw from decades of experience to do so.