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Test Items for UV Vacuum Plating Performance (I)

Release time:

2026-05-22 07:01

Test Items for UV Vacuum Plating Performance (I)

The coating system formed by UV vacuum plating on non-metallic substrates such as plastics has physical properties that directly determine the product’s performance and service life. From optical appearance to mechanical strength, and from surface morphology to environmental resistance, the evaluation of these physical parameters serves as a critical basis for verifying product quality and optimizing process parameters. Systematic testing of physical properties enables assessment of whether the deposited film meets design specifications, providing scientific support for quality control during production. This paper outlines the key physical‑property test items and methods for UV vacuum plating, focusing on four aspects: optical performance, mechanical performance, surface morphology, and durability.

I. Optical Performance Testing

Optical performance is a key, visually perceptible quality indicator for UV vacuum‑plated products, directly determining their visual appeal and market acceptance.

1. Glossiness Measurement

Glossiness reflects the coating’s ability to reflect incident light and is a key parameter for evaluating metallic‑finish effects. A gloss meter is used to measure the reflectance of the coated surface at a standard angle of incidence. High-gloss products are expected to deliver a mirror‑like reflective appearance, while matte finishes aim for a soft, understated visual effect. During testing, multiple measurements should be taken at different locations to ensure uniform and consistent gloss across the surface.

2. Color Difference Detection

Color‑difference testing is used to evaluate the consistency and stability of the color in coated products. A spectrophotometer is employed to measure the color parameters of the coating under standardized illumination, which are then compared against a standard color chart or a customer‑provided reference sample. During mass production, periodic random sampling is required to ensure color consistency across different batches.

3. Reflectance and Transmittance Measurement

For UV vacuum‑deposited coatings used in optical applications, reflectance and transmittance are critical performance parameters. A UV–visible spectrophotometer is employed to measure the reflectance and transmittance spectra of the coating over specific wavelength ranges. During vacuum deposition, an in-line thickness monitor enables real-time tracking of optical density, thereby ensuring effective control over the uniformity of the coating thickness.

II. Mechanical Property Testing

Mechanical performance testing and evaluation of coated films under mechanical stress are critical to ensuring the durability of the product.

1. Adhesion Test

Adhesion is a critical parameter for assessing the bond strength between a coating and its substrate, and it underpins the overall performance of the coating system. Commonly used testing methods include the grid‑cut method and the pull‑off method. In the grid‑cut method, a grid pattern is scribed into the coating surface; a specialized adhesive tape is then applied to the grid area and peeled off, with the adhesion rating determined by the proportion of the grid area where coating has detached. The pull‑off method employs a pull‑off tester to apply a vertical tensile force, measuring the force required to detach the coating from the substrate; this technique is well suited for precisely comparing adhesion performance under different conditions.

2. Hardness Testing

Hardness testing evaluates a coating’s ability to resist indentation and scratching. The pencil hardness method involves drawing across the coating surface with pencils of varying hardness; the hardness of the pencil that leaves no visible scratch is taken as the test result, thereby assessing the coating’s resistance to abrasion.

3. Abrasion Resistance Test

Wear resistance evaluates a coating’s ability to withstand repeated friction and abrasion. Using an abrasion test, the coated specimen is mounted on a rotating platform, and under a specified load, an abrasive wheel rotates against the coating. After a set number of revolutions, the mass loss of the coating is measured, or its surface condition is inspected. Wear resistance directly affects a product’s service life and is especially critical for items subjected to frequent daily use.

4. Impact Resistance Testing

Impact resistance testing evaluates the coating’s ability to resist cracking and delamination under mechanical impact. An impact testing machine is used to drop a weighted hammer from a specified height onto the coated test panel, and the coating is examined for cracking, delamination, or whitening at the impacted area.

III. Surface Morphology and Thickness Measurement

Surface morphology and coating thickness are critical parameters that influence both the aesthetic quality and the functional performance of a product.

1. Surface Roughness Measurement

Surface roughness reflects the micro‑geometric structure of the coated surface and directly influences the product’s visual texture and optical performance. The arithmetic mean deviation of the coating surface profile is measured using a surface profilometer or a morphology analyzer. Excellent surface flatness ensures uniform light reflection, thereby preventing surface defects such as orange‑peel effects and waviness.

2. Coating Thickness Measurement

Coating thickness directly affects the optical and mechanical properties of coated products. Non-contact or contact thickness gauges are used to measure the coating thickness distribution, enabling assessment of the consistency and stability of the coating process. Thickness uniformity is a critical parameter for ensuring consistent product performance.

IV. Environmental Durability Testing

Environmental durability testing evaluates the long-term stability of coated products under real-world service conditions.

1. Temperature and Damp-Heat Resistance Testing

Temperature resistance testing evaluates changes in the performance of the coating under high‑ or low‑temperature conditions by exposing coated samples to a temperature‑controlled chamber, thereby assessing the coating’s stability at extreme temperatures. Humidity‑heat resistance testing assesses the coating’s performance in high‑humidity, high‑temperature environments; this is conducted in a humidity‑heat chamber that simulates such conditions, enabling evaluation of the coating’s durability, adhesion stability, and corrosion resistance.

2. Thermal Shock Resistance Test

The thermal shock resistance test evaluates the stability of the coating under rapid temperature changes by subjecting it to multiple high–low temperature cycles, observing whether cracking, blistering, or delamination occurs, and assessing the coating’s ability to withstand thermal fluctuations.

3. Salt Spray Corrosion Resistance Test

The salt-spray corrosion resistance test evaluates the coating’s ability to withstand corrosive conditions in a salt‑spray environment by exposing coated specimens to a salt‑spray chamber under specified conditions for a defined period, and then assessing whether the coating exhibits failure modes such as pitting, discoloration, blistering, or peeling.

V. Conclusion

The physical‑property testing of UV vacuum plating encompasses multiple aspects, including optical performance, mechanical properties, surface morphology, and durability. Optical characteristics such as gloss, color difference, and reflectance determine the product’s visual appearance; mechanical properties—including adhesion, hardness, wear resistance, and impact resistance—ensure reliable service performance; surface roughness and coating thickness influence both the tactile quality and the consistency of performance; and durability attributes like temperature resistance, resistance to damp heat, resistance to thermal shock, and resistance to salt‑spray corrosion assess the product’s long‑term stability under complex environmental conditions. These test parameters are interrelated and together form a comprehensive system for evaluating physical performance. By adhering to standardized testing methods and acceptance criteria, it is possible to effectively assess the quality of UV vacuum‑plated products and provide a scientific basis for product development, process optimization, and production‑quality control.

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 wetting, 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 excellent 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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Testing Items for UV Vacuum Plating Performance (Part II)

Chemical Characteristics of UV Vacuum Plating