A technology transfer agreement has recently been
formalized between AT 3D- SQUARED and National RP Support (NRPS)
Inc, USA. Under the terms of this new agreement NRPS will license the
Metalise it… technology from AT 3D- SQUARED and offer the process as a
service from the company’s HQ facility in Pella, Iowa, with the brand
Metalise it… America. To this end AT 3D- SQUARED will deliver all of the
necessary information about the hardware as well as process treatments
and provide support during the set up of the new plating unit.
The Metalise it… process, developed by AT-3D SQUARED, is a unique
coating method because it was originally formulated specifically for plastic
rapid prototype (RP) models. However, the process can be applied to
virtually any plastic part with the required layer thickness and metal finish.
A significant advantage that the Metalise it … process brings to RP applications is that when the composite metal material is
applied to the plastic part it adds a structural coating as well as a cosmetic finish. The surface finish of plastic RP models has
traditionally proved to be a limitation of the various RP technologies, but the Metalise it… process is an effective surface treatment
of plastic RP parts that can drastically improve these limitations, and, in some cases, eliminate them altogether. Applying the
Metalise it… process to specific parts has, to date, demonstrated improvements with mechanical properties such as strength,
creep characteristics and aging stability. Other advantages that the process offers to RP models include resistance to moisture,
temperature, humidity and corrosion — allowing the parts to be used in more aggressive and corrosive environments, which just
would not be possible with the original plastic parts.
The Metalise it … process will continue to be available in the UK and Europe from AT 3D- SQUARED’s sister company; 3DDC.
MPF
