Innovations in Vacuum Metallization for EMI Shielding
Vacuum Metallization is a versatile process used across various industries to produce thin, uniform metal coatings with diverse functional and aesthetic properties. Unlike other coating techniques, such as electroplating, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), and anodizing, Vacuum Metallization provides an optimal blend of performance, protection, and environmental friendliness. It excels in EMI shielding by emphasizing coating thickness, consistency, and conductivity, while also offering high resistance to environmental factors such as adhesion and oxidation.
What is the Vacuum Metallizing Process?
Vacuum Metallization, also known as Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), is a process used to apply a thin metal coating to a variety of surfaces. The technology involves evaporating or sputtering metals, alloys, or compounds in a vacuum, causing them to condense and deposit on a substrate. A typical process involves the following steps:
Benefits of Vacuum Metallization
More cost-effective than other applications
More environmentally friendly than other coating process
Provides a more consistent, durable application
Solves particular industrial coating challenges, including electromagnetic interference, and coating uniformity and adhesion. Multiple layers of various coating materials can be applied together, with the coating sequence adjustable based on customer specifications. Examples of coating materials are Cu/Ni, Cu/Cr, Cu/NiCr, Cu/Ti, Cu/SS, Cu/SiO2, Cu/Ag, Cu/Al, Cu/Sn, Cu/AF, Pure Al, Pure Ag, Etc.
The TennMax Difference
For over 20 years, TennMax has been at the forefront of vacuum Metallization technology, driven by continuous R&D efforts. Our cost-effective coating process protects electronic devices from electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), and static interference, ensuring reliable performance. By metallizing plastic surfaces, we replace traditional metal housings and covers, reducing weight and allowing for more complex mechanical designs. This approach is particularly beneficial in industries such as handheld devices and automotive components, where intricate structures are essential.
1. Specialty Coatings: Titanium and Silver (Ag)
TennMax stands out as one of the few manufacturers capable of applying metallic layers like titanium, silver, copper, aluminum, nickel-chromium, or stainless steel to a wide range of plastic housings, such as ABS, PC, PA6, PBT, PPA, PPS, PEI, PET, PSU and PEEK.
Titanium is lightweight, non-magnetic, and resistant to strong acids and alkalis, making it ideal for vacuum applications that require minimal thermal expansion and low outgassing. Silver, when layered over copper, offers superior conductivity and EMI resistance, perfect for semiconductors, sensors, fuel cells, and optical coatings.
2. Enhancing Plastic Waveguides
Plastic waveguides benefit significantly from Vacuum Metallization, which enhances conductivity and signal quality in microwave and optical communication systems. Our process produces lightweight, corrosion-resistant waveguides with the flexibility of plastic injection molding, making it easier to create complex structural designs than solid metal alternatives.
3. Precision Coatings for Complex Shapes
TennMax excels in applying uniform metal coatings to intricate shapes and surfaces. Our process ensures precise metal thickness across irregular substrates, meeting stringent dimensional standards with options like selective masking and tailored fixturing.
4. High Volume Production
Our supersized, front-loading vacuum chambers are specifically designed for large-scale production. TennMax offers complete shielding fixture solutions, from design to production, including injection molding, machining, and assembly. Our capabilities include:
- Rapid and flexible fixture installation and removal.
- High-capacity loading designs with 3D simulations to maximize single-load capacity, reduce unit costs, and increase production.
- Semi-automated and automated handling of small shielding fixture components like masking caps, small plugs, and cap sleeves.
5. Integrated Solutions with Form-In-Place (FIP) Dispensed Gaskets and RF Absorbers
TennMax is one of the few manufacturers globally that integrates Vacuum Metallization with Form-In-Place (FIP) Dispensed Gaskets and RF Absorbers. This integration is essential for high-performance electronics, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and medical devices, providing superior EMI shielding, environmental sealing, and thermal management. To learn more about the benefits of the integration of these technologies, click here.
Partner with TennMax
TennMax offers specialized, precise manufacturing capabilities that few other manufacturers can match. Our advanced Vacuum Metallization techniques and innovative solutions make us the idea partner to tackle your complex challenges.
Contact us at Sales@TennMax.com to explore how we can support your projects and drive your success with our cutting-edge technologies.
