Cross-group finish comparison
Conductive Coating vs Vacuum Metallization
Conductive Coating (coatings for plastics) and Vacuum Metallization (plating & metallizing on plastics) solve the same problem by different routes; vacuum metallization resists corrosion better.
Conductive Coating
Coatings for plastics · $$$ · instant quote
Conductive coating is a metal-, carbon-, or graphite-filled binder that gives a nonconductive surface controlled electrical conductivity.
Vacuum Metallization
Plating & metallizing on plastics · $$$$ · instant quote
Vacuum metallization evaporates aluminum or another metal onto prepared plastic to create a reflective or conductive-looking film.
When to choose which
Choose Conductive coat
Conductive coat is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Vacuum metallization's.
- Adds electrical function to polymer and composite surfaces
- Supports grounding, static dissipation, sensors, and prototype traces
- Can be applied selectively with masking
Choose Vacuum metallization
Choose Vacuum metallization when a deposited metallic film is more suitable.
- Mirror-like appearance at 0.05–1 µm
- Low added mass
- Works on moulded and printed polymers
What the numbers say
- Vacuum metallization resists corrosion better.
- Conductive coat is the lower-cost option ($$$).
- Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Conductive coat | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 15 Low | 45 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 20 Low | 94 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 15 Low | 20 Low |
| Cost | 60 $$$ | 65 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Conductive coat | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 15–50 µm | 0.05–1 µm |
| Max service temperature | — | 80 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | silver, copper, black, gray | bright aluminum, chrome-look, gold tint, custom tint |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 3–8 working days | 7–14 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Conductive coat | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer | Yes | Yes |
| SLA | With care | Yes |
| Brass | With care | No |
| Composite | With care | With care |
| Copper Alloy | With care | No |
| FDM | With care | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | No |
| MJF | With care | With care |
| SLS | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | No |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Stainless Steel | Limited | No |
| Steel | Limited | No |
| Titanium | Limited | No |
Conductive coat vs Vacuum metallization — frequently asked
What is the difference between Conductive coat and Vacuum metallization?
Conductive Coating (coatings for plastics) and Vacuum Metallization (plating & metallizing on plastics) solve the same problem by different routes; vacuum metallization resists corrosion better. Conductive coat is the lower-cost option ($$$). Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Conductive coat instead of Vacuum metallization?
Conversely: choose Vacuum metallization when a deposited metallic film is more suitable.
Is Conductive coat or Vacuum metallization cheaper?
Conductive coat is the lower-cost finish ($$$ against $$$$ for Vacuum metallization) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.