Using advanced PVD processes, TS VTI can deposit a wide range of metals to achieve specific performance characteristics, finishes, and color options. Our coating capabilities extend beyond plastics to include glass, metal, and ceramic substrates. Many plastic materials can be coated directly, eliminating the need for primer paints and simplifying the overall finishing process.
TS VTI is a U.S. manufacturer and coating service provider based in Van Etten, New York. Since 1986, we have provided PVD coating and vacuum metalizing solutions to manufacturers across a wide range of industries.
Unlike coating companies that only process customer parts, TS VTI designs and manufactures its own vacuum coating equipment and operates a full-service coating facility. This equipment expertise gives our coating team a deeper understanding of the complete process—from system design and deposition technology to production coating and quality control.
This combination of manufacturing and coating experience makes TS VTI a strong domestic partner for injection-molded components, production parts, and specialized coating applications.
Most plastics can be successfully vacuum metalized with excellent coating adhesion. Material selection is important, however, because some polymers are more challenging to coat than others. Polypropylene, in particular, can require additional consideration to achieve the desired adhesion and performance.
When applications require increased abrasion, chemical, or environmental resistance, TS VTI can apply a protective topcoat following the metalizing process. Our facility includes two automatic, conveyor-based UV-cure robotic spray-paint lines designed for efficient and consistent application of protective coatings.
Whether you need reflective, decorative, or functional metalized surfaces, TS VTI combines domestic manufacturing, PVD technology, coating expertise, and production capabilities to provide a complete vacuum metalizing solution.
"*" indicates required fields
Vacuum metalizing can generally be divided into two categories: decorative and functional. Functional coatings are primarily used for reflective or shielding applications, while decorative coatings enhance the appearance and finish of a part.
TS VTI uses a PVD vacuum coating process called sputtering, which allows us to deposit a wide range of metals and achieve a broad selection of metallic colors and finishes. Options range from the bold appearance of copper and brass to the more subtle tones of titanium and stainless steel.
For applications requiring a textured appearance, such as brushed stainless steel, the texture can be incorporated directly into the injection molding tool. Each molded part then carries the desired texture into the coating process. Because the deposited metal film is extremely thin, it conforms to the existing surface texture without changing its character, producing the appearance of solid stainless steel with significantly less weight.
TS VTI offers this metallic stainless-steel appearance as NexSteel™. When additional durability or environmental protection is required, a clear protective topcoat can be applied over the metallic finish.
For reflective applications, aluminum is the most commonly used coating material and can provide reflectivity of up to approximately 90 percent. Aluminum reflective coatings are widely used for industrial, commercial, and automotive lighting applications.
TS VTI can also assist with sourcing molded substrates, helping customers achieve the Class A polished surfaces required for high-quality reflective applications. This can eliminate much of the learning curve associated with producing and preparing molded parts for vacuum metalizing.
Shielding coatings use highly conductive metals, most commonly copper and aluminum, to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) shielding. Copper offers superior electrical conductivity and can provide excellent shielding performance. Because copper can tarnish or oxidize, it may require a protective overcoat or an additional metal layer, such as nickel-chrome or stainless steel, depending on the application.
Shielding coatings are typically substantially thicker than decorative or reflective metalizing films. These coatings are commonly used on electronic enclosures and other components that require EMI/RFI shielding, including applications subject to FCC shielding requirements.
TS VTI matches coating thickness to the application's performance requirements. Typical film thicknesses include:
Because these films are extremely thin, they add virtually no measurable dimensional change to the finished part.
Our vacuum coating equipment is designed to accommodate production-scale components. Maximum part dimensions that can fit within the vacuum chamber are approximately 28 inches wide by 48 inches tall. Our painting equipment can accommodate parts up to approximately 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall.
A typical project requires approximately two to three weeks to enter the production schedule, with total production time depending on part quantity, coating requirements, and production scheduling.
For customers in lighting, automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, and other regulated industries, supplier qualification is an important part of the sourcing process. TS VTI maintains quality certifications, registrations, and compliance capabilities that support demanding production and controlled applications.
A certified quality management system supporting consistent processes, documentation, and continuous improvement.
Registration supporting the handling of defense-related and export-controlled work in accordance with applicable ITAR requirements.
Supports applicable work involving firearms and related components.
Supports applications subject to restrictions on specified hazardous substances.
PVD coating processes can provide a lower-waste alternative to certain traditional finishing and plating methods.
Available for applicable aerospace coating programs requiring conformance to this specification.
Supports applicable work involving firearms and related components.
Supports applications subject to restrictions on specified hazardous substances.
PVD coating processes can provide a lower-waste alternative to certain traditional finishing and plating methods.
Available for applicable aerospace coating programs requiring conformance to this specification.
These certifications, registrations, and compliance capabilities help TS VTI meet the supplier qualification requirements of demanding customers. Our quality systems and production processes are designed to provide the documentation, consistency, and process control required for repeatable vacuum metalizing and PVD coating production.
For regulated or specification-driven applications, TS VTI can work with your engineering, quality, and procurement teams to identify the applicable requirements and documentation needed for your program.
Vacuum metalizing and PVD coating technologies serve a wide range of industries and applications that require a reflective, decorative, conductive, or functional metallic finish.
Common applications for TS VTI's PVD metalizing services include:
Whether the objective is appearance, reflectivity, electrical conductivity, shielding, or functional performance, TS VTI can develop and produce a vacuum metalizing solution suited to the application and production requirements.
Quality is verified at every step. We inspect shipments from our customers on arrival, maintain quality control throughout the PVD application process, and perform a final inspection before any product is delivered. We also run metallization tests to ensure adhesion, coating reflectivity, and electrical resistivity are at their highest levels for every product.
Whether you need a reflective, decorative, or shielding coating, our team can help you specify the right finish and move your parts into production. If you are ready to start, ask an expert or request a quote, and we will help you find the best vacuum metalizing solution for your application.
