Chrom Schaal News

16.02.2005 Schaal MID Technology GmbH & Co. KG After intensive and successful development work we are competent in producing reliable 3D-MIDs. Therefore now we have founded the Schaal MID Technology GmbH & Co. KG. MIDs are injected molded thermoplastic parts with integrated circuit traces. They provide enormous technical and economic potential and offer a remarkable improved ecological behaviour in comparison to conventional printed circuit boards, they will however not replace but complement. Key markets for the MID-technology are automotive electronics and telecommunication; besides those, MIDs are also suitable for computers, household appliances or medical technology. MIDs make the assembly between electronic and mechanical elements and user defined shaped circuit carriers possible. They enable entirely new functions and help miniaturizing electronic products. By eliminating mechanical components, the process chains will be shortened and the reliability is increased. The substrate materials used are inherently flame retardant, easily to recycle and more ecologically. The novel design and functional possibilities offered by MID and the rationalisation potentials of the respective production methods inevitably lead to a quantum leap in electronics production.

11.02.2005 New solutions for selective chrome plating Requirements for selective chrome plating are continuously on the rise as a result of ever increasing use of chrome plated plastic parts in a wide variety of industries and applications. Selective plating makes it possible to keep precisely defined areas of the plastic part absolutely free of metal, whereas the rest is plated with a layer of chrome. Above all, this is highly advantageous where the functional aspects of the part are concerned. For example, good mobility is assured for rotary switches installed in various devices, and individual elements such locating lugs remain resilient and flexible. Where parts come into contact with electronic components, the metal-free surface eliminates the possibility of electrical conductivity which could lead to short-circuiting. Joining surfaces of the type used in enclosures for electronic controls can be joined better and more reliably thanks to the metal-free surface areas. Selective plating also makes it possible to fuse nubs by means of ultrasonic welding. Various options are available for selective chrome plating. In addition to 2-component injection molding and appropriately masking the respective parts, a process is now being used which allows for selective chrome plating with the help of a selective resist lacquer. In addition to the above mentioned benefits this provides a cost advantage as well, because no expensive tools are necessary, such as those required for 2-component injection molding, and labor-intensive masking is avoided. Schaal Oberflächen & Systeme GmbH & Co. KG offers this type of selective electroplating involving the application of a resist lacquer – supplying everything from a single source. Selective resist lacquer is applied by means of fully automated dispensing equipment, and the parts are subsequently chrome plated using an in-house, automatic electroplating system.

16.02.2004 New: Schaal Oberflächen & Systeme The business activity of Siegfried Schaal Metallveredelung GmbH & Co. KG was taken on by Schaal Oberflächen & Systeme GmbH & Co. KG to November 1st, 2003. With the new name \'Schaal Oberflächen & Systeme\' (Schaal Surfaces & Systems) we do justice to our grown power spectrum which no longer exclusively consists of pure metal refining but the offer of surfaces and complete systems for metal and plastics. The \'Siegfried Schaal Metallveredelung\' still lasts, though in the background, as holding for the hold of participations.

25.11.2003 AFC (anti-fingerprint-coating) This new finish provides improved characteristics for coated plastic and metal surfaces. Advantages: - Insensitive to fingerprints - Repels contamination - Repels calcium deposits - Additional protection against wear This new surface coating can be integrated into our full service package. For example: - Injection moulding - Chrome plating or painting - AFC coating Other combinations and individual services are available as well. We would be pleased to provide you with any information you might require.

23.06.2003 Hanover Trade Fair Report Metallic Coating Protects Cell Phone Users The experts have been quarrelling for years: It electromagnetic radiation from cell phones dangerous or not? One of the exhibitors at the 2003 Hanover Trade Fair has become involved in this debate and is now offering protection against electromagnetic fields. It is a well known fact that metal housings made from aluminium, die castings or steel have a shielding effect. However, nearly all cell phone housings are now made of plastic, because of the many advantages it provides: minimal weight, maximum design freedom and economic manufacturing for large quantities by means of injection moulding. Drawback: no protection against radiation. The above mentioned exhibitor is now coating plastic cell phone housings with metal. There are a variety of processes which can be used to this end: chemical metallization with copper and nickel, conductive paints or vacuum metallization with aluminium. The most suitable process is selected depending upon requirements, surface characteristics and intended use of the components – so that users no longer need to worry about electromagnetic fields when talking on the phone.

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