Providing a chromed finish for plastic substrates by means of PVD coating is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to environmentally critical and time-consuming galvanic plating. With Berlac® UV clear coat systems for PVD-metallised surfaces, Berlac AG has launched a complete 1-component system with significantly reduced solvent content which can be used with the environmentally friendly process of physical vapour deposition for achieving high-grade chrome surfaces to create a combined process that is consistently sustainable and cost-effective and can be used inline. Specifically designed for PVD technology, the Berlac® mono-cure UV clear coat system, consisting of primer and topcoat, combines the advantages of rapid UV-curing with surface properties in respect of gloss level and resistance to scratching and aggressive media that are superior to conventional PUR coatings, while at the same time ensuring toughness and resilience.

Technological description.

The base component in the combined coating process consists of a UV-curing primer to eliminate imperfections in the polymeric workpiece and to provide enhanced adhesion for the PVD coating that is applied in a vacuum during the subsequent processing stage by means of magnetron sputtering. The final surface finish with the UV-curing topcoat protects the wafer-thin metal layer of just 0.1 to 0.3 micrometres from chemical and physical impact and guarantees a durable and attractive high-gloss chrome effect.

Fields of application.

The Berlac® mono-cure UV clear coat system can be used for decorative purposes wherever a high-grade chrome surface is required but where reasons of economy or legislation preclude the use of conventional electrochemical chrome-plating; for instance, in the sanitary fittings and white goods industry.

Your advantages at a glance.

• Increased productivity: manufacture without buffering and with short cycle times thanks to UV-curing in a matter of seconds
• Flexibility: straightforward handling of the lacquer as there are no pot life limitations; rapid onward processing of components thanks to rapid curing
• Reduced space requirements and fewer workplace health and safety measures: smaller size of drying equipment and no need for exhaust venting
• Less environmental impact: low-VOC coating solution with low energy consumption for venting and heating workpieces; conservation of resources as waste avoided during all processing stages
• Permanent retention of high-grade plastic surface: adhesive properties and resistance levels remain high throughout the product’s entire life cycle
• Wider range of applications: coating of temperature-sensitive substrates possible

Product profile.

Downloads for Berlac® mono-cure UV clearcoat system for PVD.
Product fact sheet