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Physical Properties of UV Vacuum Plating

Release time:

2026-05-21 16:46

Physical Properties of UV Vacuum Plating

The coating systems produced by UV vacuum plating on non-metallic substrates such as plastics exhibit a range of distinctive physical properties, which directly determine the surface appearance and functional performance of the finished product. From optical to mechanical characteristics, and from surface morphology to electrical behavior, each physical parameter influences how the coated product performs in its specific application environment.

I. Optical Properties

Optical properties are the直观 physical manifestations of UV vacuum plating and directly determine the product’s visual appearance.

1. High Reflectance: The metallic thin film in the coating layer exhibits strong reflectivity toward incident light, imparting the plastic substrate with a mirror-like luster reminiscent of metal. Aluminum films possess particularly high reflectance in the visible spectrum, which is the primary reason why UV vacuum plating can achieve a metallic‑looking finish. The level of reflectance is closely related to the type of coating material, the thickness of the film layer, and the process parameters of the coating.

2. Controllable Gloss: By adjusting the formulation of the topcoat and the curing process, a wide range of gloss levels—from high-gloss to matte—can be achieved within the same coating system. High-gloss topcoats deliver a mirror-like reflective finish, ideal for premium cosmetic packaging and other applications that demand a striking, eye-catching appearance; matte topcoats, on the other hand, provide a soft, understated visual effect, making them well-suited for automotive interior components and other applications where glare control is essential.

3. Color Expressiveness: By incorporating colorants or pigments into the topcoat, UV vacuum plating can produce a wide array of color effects, including metallic silver, iridescent hues, and transparent finishes. The transparency and color saturation of the topcoat layer jointly determine the final product’s color performance, which is of great significance in the aesthetic design of cosmetic packaging and consumer electronics.

II. Surface Morphology Characteristics

Surface morphology characteristics reflect the micro‑geometric structure of the coating surface and directly influence the product’s visual texture and functional performance.

1. Surface Flatness: Prior to coating, the primer layer undergoes leveling and curing, effectively sealing microscopic surface imperfections and creating a smooth, even substrate. This provides an excellent surface condition for subsequent coating and topcoat applications. Superior flatness ensures uniform light reflection, preventing surface defects such as orange peel or waviness.

2. Surface Hardness: UV-curable topcoats exhibit a high crosslinking density, forming a dense polymer network upon curing, which imparts excellent scratch resistance to the surface. This is particularly important for products subjected to frequent daily use, such as smartphone housings and automotive interior components, as it effectively minimizes the formation of surface scratches.

3. Surface Roughness: During vacuum coating, the deposition rate and energy control of metal particles influence the microstructure of the thin film. Higher deposition energy promotes the formation of a dense film layer, reduces surface roughness, and enhances glossiness and corrosion resistance.

III. Mechanical Properties

Mechanical properties determine the performance of coated films under mechanical stress and serve as a critical safeguard for product durability.

1. Adhesion: The UV vacuum plating system achieves a robust bond between the primer layer and the plastic substrate. Functional monomers in the primer chemically bond with polar functional groups on the substrate surface, while the liquid coating penetrates the substrate’s microporous structure, creating mechanical interlocking. This dual mechanism ensures that the entire coating system remains free from delamination and peeling during service.

2. Flexibility: During use, plastic products may be subjected to external forces such as bending and impact. If the coating is too hard and brittle, it can easily crack at points of deformation. The coating system used in UV vacuum plating, through careful formulation of the resin matrix, maintains a certain level of hardness while also exhibiting appropriate flexibility, enabling it to accommodate the normal deformation of the plastic substrate.

3. Impact Resistance: The high crosslinking density of the topcoat provides excellent impact protection, preventing cracking or delamination of the coating under external forces.

IV. Electrical Properties

Electrical properties hold particular significance in the electronics industry and serve as a crucial foundation for the application of UV vacuum plating technology in these fields.

1. Non-conductivity: By precisely controlling the thickness and microstructure of the metallic film during the coating process, the coated layer achieves a metallic appearance without forming a continuous conductive path. This property ensures that the coated plastic components do not shield electromagnetic wave signals, thereby preserving wireless communication functionality.

2. Electromagnetic shielding performance: Contrary to non-conductivity, this is a required functionality in certain applications. By increasing the thickness of the coating layer or selecting specific metallic materials, UV vacuum plating can form a conductive thin film on plastic substrates with electromagnetic shielding capabilities, thereby providing protection against electromagnetic interference within electronic devices.

V. Conclusion

The physical properties of UV vacuum plating encompass multiple aspects, including optical, surface‑morphological, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. In the optical domain, high reflectivity, controllable gloss, and vivid color rendering determine the product’s visual appearance; in terms of surface morphology, flatness, hardness, and roughness influence texture and durability; mechanically, adhesion, flexibility, and impact resistance ensure reliable performance; and electrically, non‑conductive behavior meets the signal‑transmission requirements of electronic devices. Together, these physical properties dictate the performance of UV vacuum‑plated products in specific applications and form the foundation for the technology’s widespread adoption across diverse fields.

Disclaimer: The above content has been compiled from publicly available sources and is provided for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will address it promptly.

Bosheng Recommended Products – Vacuum Plating
Primer
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-113	Bisphenol A epoxy acrylate	High hardness, high gloss, high fullness, containing 20% TPGDA.
B-151	Modified epoxy acrylate	Low halogen, yellowing-resistant, excellent plating performance, and strong adhesion.
B-160D	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility, yellowing resistance, and excellent adhesion.
B-163	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent pigment wetting, and strong adhesion.
B-165	Modified epoxy acrylate	Good flexibility and strong adhesion
B-212A	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	High cost-performance, excellent plating adhesion, good toughness, and resistant to boiling water.
B-221	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to boiling water
B-268M	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good flexibility, excellent adhesion, superior plating performance, and strong hiding power.
B-574C	Polyester acrylate	Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV.
B-619W	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.
Intermediate coat
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-374	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Excellent flexibility, good leveling, resistant to abrasion and chemicals, and resistant to yellowing.
B-601	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost-effectiveness.
B-6020	Special functional group acrylate	Resistant to boiling water, excellent color development, and strong interlayer adhesion.
Topcoat
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
B-221	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, resistant to boiling water
B-301	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, excellent toughness, and good sandability.
B-302	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high strength, excellent toughness, and good grindability.
B-368	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Good toughness, excellent leveling, excellent bend resistance, and excellent heat resistance.
B-374	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Excellent flexibility, good leveling, resistant to abrasion and chemicals, and resistant to yellowing.
B-574C	Polyester acrylate	Low viscosity, low odor, excellent wettability, suitable for LED UV.
B-601	Aromatic polyurethane acrylate	High hardness, scratch resistance, chemical resistance, and excellent cost-effectiveness.
B-6016C	Special functional group acrylate	Easy to apply, resistant to yellowing and boiling water, and improves the appearance of the paint film.
B-6019	Special functional group acrylate	Good leveling, excellent wettability, resistant to boiling water, and superior color dispersion.
B-609	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance.
B-615A	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.
B-619W	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, wear resistance, and chemical resistance.
B-6210	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Low viscosity, chemical resistance, environmental resistance, and dual photothermal curing
B-6211	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, scratch-resistant, and free of organotin.
B-919B	Aliphatic polyurethane acrylate	Fast curing, high hardness, excellent toughness, and outstanding chemical and wear resistance.
Monomer Recommendation
Product Model/English Abbreviation	Product Name/Product Type	Product Features
BM2223 (TPGDA)	Dipropylene glycol diacrylate	Good flexibility and low volatility
BM3231 (TMPTA)	Trimethylolpropane triacrylate	High crosslink density, high hardness, high gloss, and excellent wear resistance.
BM3235 (PET3A)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	Fast curing, high crosslink density, high hardness, and chemical resistance.
BM3380 (3EO-TMPTA)	Pentaerythritol triacrylate	More flexible and less irritating than TMPTA.
BM6261 (DPHA-80)	Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate	High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.
BM6263 (DPHA-90)	Dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate	High crosslink density, high hardness, chemical and wear resistance, and water resistance.

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