Abstract

Metallic coatings may be functional or decorative, permanent or temporary, sacrificial, or noble. Pure metals, metal alloys, metal compounds, and intermetallics may be used. The base material to which the metallic coating is bonded may be metallic, nonmetallic inorganic, or an organic such as a plastic, paper, or a fiber. Methods for metallic coating may be divided according to the way the metal is applied: liquid phase, gas phase, and vacuum phase metallizing, and metallizing by direct physical or thermal bonding. The various processes in each of these categories are described, along with the types of coatings and base materials used. Environmental considerations of these coating processes are also discussed.

Whereas galvanizing and electroplating represent the processes having the largest volume of metallic coated materials, the gas and vacuum phase metallizing processes used in the electronics industry represent the highest economic value. The corrosion and wear resistance of metallic coated tools and parts is of the utmost industrial importance.