MNL's New Powder enables Vacuum Metallizing on to SLS

With the first installation in the UK of a new SLS powder, Malcolm Nicholls Limited is now able to vacuum metallize straight onto SLS parts. Innov’PA has a finer surface finish that is reducing finishing enabling for the first time, intricate SLS parts to be vacuum metallized.

Vacuum metallizing onto SLA parts was not successful due to the high temperature involved in the Metallizing process. Metallizing early SLS parts were also not too successful either as the “furry” surface finish meant that a lot of detail was lost in the finishing process.

In the past Malcolm Nicholls Limited has produced vacuum metallized parts, but this was a lengthy process. Firstly MNL would produce a master model using Stereolithography. Hand finishing followed using our skilled model makers to apply a perfect gloss finish to the model. This itself can take some time to get the end result just right. From this master a silicon tool would be produced; into this tool a high-temp polyurethane resin would be poured, producing a perfect replica, suitable for the metallizing process.

This however has all changed; MNL now offer a new SLS nylon, Innov'PA. This material coupled with our Hi-Q Sinterstation gives the component a much improved surface finish, thus creating a better surface to apply our gloss technique. The silicon tooling and vacuum casting steps are no longer needed yielding typical savings of 30-40% on both cost and timescales.

Applications for Vacuum Metallizing in Product Development are:

• Taps and other kitchen/bathroom hardware
• Logos or raised lettering on a component
• Reflectors such as vehicle headlamps
• Components that are bright chrome/metal in production

Using this process you would eliminate higher costs and longer timescale associated with producing metals.
Many colours are available, Gold, chrome etc. (just imagine a Christmas bauble and all their possible colours)

So instead of waiting weeks for your metal effect you could now have this within DAYS.