Leonhard Kurz has developed a new decoration method for plastic sealing caps, which enables application of true metal layers without electroplating.
The company says the process creates a high-gloss metallic finish that looks similar in appearance to electroplating and it fulfils the chemical resistance requirements of for applications such as cosmetics packaging.
Called Kurz Cap-tivate Luxury, it works as a dry transfer process performed in-house during and immediately after the injection molding process, eliminating the need for outsourcing. Kurz adds that the process is not subject to special environmental requirements, even when producing true chrome coatings adding that it achieves a yield significantly higher than for electroplating, making it more cost-effective, in particular for large production runs.
The process has application for producing a homogeneous metallic appearance and a variety of design finishes. You can combine metallic tones and non-metallised colours in an arbitrary manner, or integrate corporate design colours. You can also produce wood, carbon, marble, and pearl designs, or holographic designs. Different gloss levels range from a mirror-finish piano lacquer look, to a soft matte finish, right through to a striking brushed metal look.
Besides being able to produce a wide range of visual finishes, it can also appeal to the tactile senses. You can use it to generate surfaces with a soft touch effect or tactile structures.
Kurz adds that you can use this decoration technique not only for large production runs but also for small and custom runs.
