Cross-group finish comparison
EMI Shielding Coating vs Vacuum Metallization
EMI Shielding Coating (coatings for plastics) and Vacuum Metallization (plating & metallizing on plastics) solve the same problem by different routes; vacuum metallization resists corrosion better.
EMI Shielding Coating
Coatings for plastics · $$$$ · instant quote
EMI shielding coating is a conductive metal-filled paint applied mainly to the inside of nonconductive enclosures.
Vacuum Metallization
Plating & metallizing on plastics · $$$$ · instant quote
Vacuum metallization evaporates aluminum or another metal onto prepared plastic to create a reflective or conductive-looking film.
When to choose which
Choose EMI coating
EMI coating is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Vacuum metallization's.
- Converts polymer housings into conductive shielding surfaces
- Typical v1 film is 15–30 µm
- Spray reaches complex interior enclosure geometry
Choose Vacuum metallization
Choose Vacuum metallization when a thinner deposited metal layer is preferred.
- Mirror-like appearance at 0.05–1 µm
- Low added mass
- Works on moulded and printed polymers
What the numbers say
- Vacuum metallization resists corrosion better.
- EMI coating is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | EMI coating | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 20 Low | 45 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 25 Low | 94 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 15 Low | 20 Low |
| Cost | 65 $$$$ | 65 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | EMI coating | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 15–30 µm | 0.05–1 µm |
| Max service temperature | — | 80 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | silver, copper, gray | bright aluminum, chrome-look, gold tint, custom tint |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 4–8 working days | 7–14 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | EMI coating | Vacuum metallization |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer | Yes | Yes |
| SLA | With care | Yes |
| Brass | With care | No |
| Composite | With care | With care |
| Copper Alloy | With care | No |
| FDM | With care | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | With care | No |
| MJF | With care | With care |
| SLS | With care | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | With care | No |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Stainless Steel | Limited | No |
| Steel | Limited | No |
| Titanium | Limited | No |
EMI coating vs Vacuum metallization — frequently asked
What is the difference between EMI coating and Vacuum metallization?
EMI Shielding Coating (coatings for plastics) and Vacuum Metallization (plating & metallizing on plastics) solve the same problem by different routes; vacuum metallization resists corrosion better. EMI coating is the lower-cost option ($$$$). Vacuum metallization is the thinner coating (0.05–1 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use EMI coating instead of Vacuum metallization?
Conversely: choose Vacuum metallization when a thinner deposited metal layer is preferred.
Is EMI coating or Vacuum metallization cheaper?
EMI coating is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ 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.