Gallery

About Project

All these creative shining models, Mickey Mouse, walking horse, abstract figurine, and balloon-like arrow decorations, are all covered with a metal coating to achieve the mirror-like effect. The technique is vacuum metallization, a form of physical vapor deposition (PVD), a process of coating a metal such as aluminum or copper to a non-metallic substrate through evaporation.

Solution

• Step 1: Examine the 3D models carefully, especially whether the details exceed minimum layer heights.
• Step 2: Add supporting structures for the models in case they may break or deform. As they are all monochromatic, no splitting work is needed.
• Step 3: Arrange the placement and 3D print the models in one piece with SLA Generic Resin.
• Step 4: Cut off the supports and wash the prints with IPA. Spray the prints with a prime after air drying. Polish to remove the marks.
• Step 5: Place the parts into a vacuum chamber, vaporize the metal using a filament, then rotate the parts to ensure even deposition of the metal vapor.