What is metallization? Which process is provided by VIVABLAST?

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Metallization has long been an irreplaceable process in efforts to protect structures from external factors. What is metallization? How does it benefit the project? How many metallizing methods are there? We will learn more in the following article.

Metallization process: Definition, key advantages and classification

This article will in through 4 main sections including:

  1. Definition and application of this process
  2. Benefits of metallizing process
  3. 5 types of metallizing
  4. Introduce the metallization service at Vivablast with Thermal Spray Technology

How can we understand the term ‘metallization’? Which industries are metallization applied to?

Metallization is a thermal spray coating process in which metals such as zinc, aluminum, silver, etc. are deposited as a thin metal film on top of a base material such as plastic, glass, or metal to prevent corrosion of the base material.metallization 3 vivablastThe metallizing process consists of three main steps:

  1. The base material is prepared by abrasive or metal spraying to provide high adhesion to the metal being sprayed.
  2. Heat is used to generate molten particles from the coating material, which is then sprayed onto the surface.
  3. Once contacting, the particles spread evenly on the surface, freeze and create a mechanical bond, first with the roughened surface, and then with each other as the coating thickness increases.

The metal used to make the coating can be in the form of wire or powder. Coating thicknesses can vary from .004″ to thicker layers between .012″ – .014″.This technology is widely used to enhance the corrosion resistance of materials. The metallization process is applied in many industries, such as:

  • Defence
  • Oil and Gas
  • Solar energy products
  • Space
  • Automobile
  • Electricity

5 benefits that make metallization one of the most highly-recommended protection methods

1. Strengthen the corrosion resistance:

Rust is not new but still quite a serious problem of metal structures, especially steel. The metallization process can create a coating that protects the metal surface from the development of red or white rust, increasing the product’s longevity to 20 years or more.

2. Enhance the durability of the material

Most metal coatings are appreciated for their good adhesion. They are less prone to peeling, blistering, and cracking than uncoated surfaces. Since then, the durability of the surface of the material has also significantly improved.

3. Provide electrical conductivity

One limitation when using ductile materials is that they are not conductive. When a plastic surface is metalized, it can conduct electric current. This is a remarkable step forward in the electronics industry.

4. Provide weather resistance

Steel structures located outdoors are susceptible to the effects of snow, rain, wind and sun, leading to deterioration over time. Creating a metallized coating creates a protective shield for the underlying structure, which prolongs the life of the structure and maintains its appearance.

5. Save maintenance costs

With common paints, after a while, they are forced to be replaced by a new layer. Meanwhile, the metallized layer does not need repainting or maintenance, thereby reducing operating costs. Metallization coatings also have a diverse and beautiful color palette that is not inferior to conventional paints.metallization 2 vivablast

5 different methods of metallization: What are they and how do they make it work?

In general, the general principle of the metallization process consists of preparing the surface, then using high temperature to create molten particles and then spraying them onto the surface. But when it comes to details, we can divide the metallizing process into 5 different types:

1. Vacuum metallization

This is the process of boiling the coated metal in a special vacuum chamber, then letting it condense to form a residue on the surface of the substrate. Coated metal can be vaporized through plasma or resistance heating.

2. Hot-dip galvanizing

This process involves dipping the steel into a vat of molten zinc. Zinc reacts with iron in steel to form an alloy coating that helps resist corrosion. After the substrate is removed from the zinc bath, it undergoes a draining or vibration step to remove excess zinc. The galvanizing process will continue after the substrate is removed until it cools.

Read more: The difference between cold and hot galvanizing process

3. Zinc spraying

Zinc is a material that is both versatile and cost-effective, helping to prevent corrosion on metal surfaces. Zinc metallization is the process of creating a slightly porous, lower density coating than hot-dip galvanizing. Zinc spraying can be applied to all steels but is not recommended for uneven surfaces.

4. Thermal spray

Thermal spray is the process of spraying heated or molten metal onto the surface of the material. The metal is introduced in powder or wire form, then heated to a molten or semi-molten state and sprayed as microscopic particles. Thermal spray can produce thick coatings at high speed.

5. Cold spray

In the cold spray technique, a mixture of metal powder, water-based binder and hardener is sprayed onto the surface at room temperature to form a workpiece. The embryos are left for about an hour and then dried at temperatures between about 70°F and 150°F for 6-12 hours. This metallization technique provides durable and long-lasting corrosion resistance.

The high-quality metallization service at VIVABLAST using thermal spray technology

At VIVABLAST, we provide top-notch metal coating/plating services such as Heat Spray Aluminum (TSA) / Zinc (TSZ) / other metal alloys according to NORSOK M-501. Our anti-corrosion metal coating solution is highly innovative and far superior to conventional coating systems. We are among the leading experts in providing anti-corrosion solutions to a wide range of industries, notably the marine industry, which is heavily affected by the corrosion of seawater.VIVABLAST primarily recommends and offers thermal spray as it is a fast and cost-effective solution that has the ability to add properties and enhance performance to coated surfaces.

Thermal Spray Coating Services provided by VIVABLAST

metallization 1 vivablastWe classify the thermal spray coatings into categories as follows:1. By temperature:

  • Warm Spraying (the temperature of the engineered surface during spraying >250oC)
  • Cold Spraying (the temperature of the engineered surface during spraying <250oC)

2. By spray material:

  • Powder Spraying
  • Wire Spraying

3. By spraying method:

  • Flame Spraying
  • Arc Spraying
  • Plasma spraying
  • High-velocity oxy-fuel coating spraying (HVOF)

Each metalization method will be advisable for different requirements, based on the characteristics of the project and the wishes of the customer. To identify which one is the optimal choice for your project, please contact VIVABLAST for direct consultant, via:

About Us

Vivablast was founded in 1994, as a 100% foreign-owned company with an ambition to become the most preferred and trustful service provider for industrial assets protection in Southeast Asia.

Over the past two decades, Southeast Asia experienced rapid economic growth with significant investments in industrial facilities, equipment, and infrastructures of Oil and Gas, Renewable Energy, Marine, Power Generation & Manufacturing sectors.

Hence, Vivablast has succeeded as a reliable subcontractor for many International & Domestic companies by delivering our professional services to such prestigious companies as PIRIOU, JGCS, Technip, KNOC, Metacor, PTSC groups, Vietsovpetro, etc. with great passion.

Our innovative system of mobile blasting & painting workshops can be mobilized anywhere in Southeast Asia for all major projects and infrastructure sites, which has performed very well during Vietnam’s first refinery project – Dung Quat followed by Vung Ang 1.2 Power Plant project and the biggest Oil & Gas complex in Vietnam – Nghi Son Refinery.

In 2014, Vivablast landed in the soils of Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia to capture the growing demands of customers at any time and anywhere.

Over 28 years of steady deliberate growth, we feel confident and proud of our team and their capacities to play a vital role in the multi-disciplinary industrial services provider.

Why Choose Us?

Expertise of industrial assets preserving since 1994

FAQs

Vivablast is a company that offers surface preparation and industrial painting solutions for various industries such as oil and gas, marine, construction, and mining. Some of the solutions they offer include abrasive blasting, hydro blasting, tank cleaning, industrial coating, and passive fire protection.

Board of Management

Mr Jacques Vivarès – Chairman
Mr Boris Vivarès – Vivablast Group General Director – Commercial & Business Development
Mr Shanthamani Muthukumar – Vivablast Vietnam General Manager

Vivablast is a global provider of industrial asset protection solutions in Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and surrounding countries. Vivablast is a 100% foreign-owned Company accredited ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 45001:2018 by Bureau Veritas with offices and setup over South-East Asia. Since 1994, we have been servicing industry leaders in major projects from construction phase to maintenance programs. Our vertical expertise includes all industry sectors, particularly: oil & gas, power & utilities, shipbuilding, mining and manufacturing. We design and deliver professional services to preserve our Clients’ assets sustainably, through efficient and reliable specialty services and integrated solutions.

Vivablast is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The company aims to reduce its environmental impact through various initiatives, such as implementing environmentally friendly technologies and reducing waste. Additionally, Vivablast has programs in place to support its employees, their families, and the communities in which they operate. The company also supports various charitable organizations and encourages its employees to participate in community service activities.