Evaporation boat and metallized substrate

Metalized substrates can be found in many technological as well as everyday products and applications, such as electronic components and food packaging. A thin metal coating makes it possible to adapt the properties of the substrate in a variety of ways. This can change the look of the substrate and increase the barrier properties of foils. By METALIZING foils, for example, a glossy surface is created that can be used to create appealing packaging or wrapping paper.

In addition to visual properties, the barrier of a metalized substrate also changes in comparison to that of a pure substrate. This mainly affects the permeability of the substrate with regard to gases, fluids and electromagnetic radiation and is used for, among other things, food packaging. A crisp packet, for example, protects its contents from absorbing moisture and UV light and is also impermeable to fat and flavors.

Another application is in the area of ELECTRONICS. Metallization makes it possible to simplify the manufacture of capacitor foils. In wafer coating, aluminum is used as the crystallization nucleus for zinc coatings, while zinc and silver coatings can likewise be protected against oxidation by using an aluminium coating. The housings of computers and smartphones are also often coated with metal layers that serve to shield the electronics from electromagnetic interference.

There are various processes available to carry out metallization. Besides chemical vapor deposition, cathode sputtering and electroplating, thermal evaporation of aluminum also plays an important role. It's in this area where evaporation boats come into play. Metallization through this means in particular is characterized by high evaporation rates and good homogeneity of the vapor-deposited layer.