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Not only the packaging industry - Metallization around us

Beauty, Personal Care, Home Care, Consumer Durables, Luxury, Primary Packaging, Secondary Packaging, Plastic, Metal

What is metallization?

Most plastics can be decorated in many ways, so they are considered to be very versatile. One of the most popular methods of such decoration is metallization. But what is metallization itself? It consists in applying a very thin layer of metal to the surface of previously prepared plastic. Interestingly, such a process changes not only the external appearance of the object, but also affects its physical properties!

Metallization provides increased hardness, resistance to damage such as abrasion or higher temperature resistance. In addition, the metallization of the detail protects the material against the influence of light or chemical compounds.

Types of metallization

Several metallization methods have already been used in industry, and this branch is growing all the time. While there are not many new methods, existing ones are subject to numerous upgrades, automation and other operations that make the process more and more stable and very effective.

Metallization can be applied via spraying, galvanic, contact and diffusion methods. There is also a fire method in which the object is immersed in liquid metal. Politech specialises in the metallization of cosmetic packaging of various types, using the vacuum metallization method. The company has two painting lines and two metallizers adapted to medium and large orders for both silver and colour metallization. In addition, in the new plant in Bydgoszcz Industrial and Technological Park, Politech created an automated painting line combined with two metallizers, adapted to large-series orders.

Advantages of plastic metallization

The shiny, almost mirror effect or interesting matte surface obtained by metallization are not the only advantages of this type of decoration. Politech has many years of experience in preparing colour metallization. This operation not only emphasises the luxury of the packaging, but also allows for distinguishing and individualising the design. Blue, red or even black metallization allows for perfectly matching the decoration to the character of the product.

An undoubted advantage is also the similarity of metallized details to real metal. More and more often in our surroundings we can meet seemingly metal objects that are actually metallized plastic. Elements made of metallized plastic are easier to manufacture than their metal counterparts. They are also much cheaper! This is why one such interesting solution is cheap, metal-like disposable cutlery subjected to this method of decoration.

Metallization around us

In addition to the market of cosmetic and perfumery packaging, metallization is also often used in other industries. Probably the most metallized items around us are found in the cars that we drive. Car headlights have metallized reflectors that direct the reflected rays of light in the desired direction. Due to the excellent reflective properties, this method of decoration is also used in the production of lamps and lampshades. House ornaments and handles in the furniture industry are also increasingly becoming subject to metallization.

Metallization is also used in many household appliances and modern electronics. This method is further used by the aerospace, shipbuilding and telecommunication industries. In your environment you will easily find metallized objects during Christmas, because it is one of the most popular methods of decorating Christmas balls.

Metallization is also used in many household appliances and modern electronics. This method is further used by the aerospace, shipbuilding and telecommunication industries. In your environment you will easily find metallized objects during Christmas, because it is one of the most popular methods of decorating Christmas balls.

See also

Our own tool shop – a huge advantage in the industry!

Creating production injection moulds in a facility without a tool shop is a huge challenge. Managing a company department that must simultaneously secure ongoing production and create new moulds may generate delays and many other unforeseeable events. Ultimately, however, the development of our company in this direction is proving to be very beneficial, as it gives us unlimited control over the whole process – from the idea to the finished product. So how do we use this competitive advantage at Politech?

Does Slow Life affect the cosmetics market?

Stress, putting our professional life before private matters, constant haste in all daily activities, eating on-the-go, a lack of sleep, no time for our family… These things are typical of contemporary times. And it is precisely them that the increasingly popular Slow Life lifestyle is supposed to counteract. Its characteristics are becoming noticeable in many areas of life as well as in various industries. Similar trends can be observed in the cosmetics market, where both the producers and the consumers are heading towards Slow Life.

Bespoke production is beneficial for the customer

Politech offers standardised products such as caps for perfume bottles, rings and jars for cosmetics. Every item and even individual parts of the items may be ornamented using the following methods: vacuum metal coating, UV varnishing, hot-stamping or full body colouring. Other options available: matt finish, glitter or pearl effect. That way, the range of possibilities is really huge and if we sold stock products, it would hamper the imagination of our customers and limit our development.

Instant Beauty - What is it all about and how can you use it?

Although Slow Life continues to be one of the most influential trends in the consumer market, there is also a large group of people who have a different approach to life. This group of consumers chooses cosmetics with great care, assessing their composition. They also have certain requirements related to life in a constant hurry. Instant Beauty expects quick results, 3-in-1 cosmetics, and products combining care cosmetics with colour cosmetics.

How France became the perfume capital of the World

Sophistication, sensuality, luxury, beautiful scents and chic. Why is it that France is associated with these values? Why is it that French perfume is also associated with these qualities? Is it because of the unique plants and climate, which influences the locally-grown perfume ingredients? Perhaps it is so because the French have the best “noses” in the world? Perhaps there used to be real reasons for this, but the advantage of French perfume today only extends to marketing?

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  • Modified 24 Jul 2019
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