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Metallic Looking Resin Color for Plastic 4

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breezy83

Mechanical
Sep 22, 2020
16
Hello, I'm trying to see if I can avoid plating a plastic component I have by using a resin color that looks metallic. I've seen this on products before, but I don't know where to look to find these types of colors/processing parameters. Does anyone have any advice? Thanks!
 
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I don't know how important the resin itself is. Mylar is commonly know for it's metallic appearance. That said, it's a polyester resin similar to many other plastics.
 
I have never seen a molded component that was as shiny as a plated piece... you just don't get the same alignment of particles to provide that reflective shine.

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You could look into in-mold decoration processes, i.e. a plastic metallized film that is placed in/over the injection mold prior to filling.
 
Plating, especially chromium adds a lot of stiffness to a part. Metallic fillers don't. Also for 'best' metallic look, a transparent base polymer is needed.

Then there's the weld lines....


Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It is their substitute for achievement.
 
For just a decorative finish there's vacuum metallizing.


Politicians like to panic, they need activity. It is their substitute for achievement.
 
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