JET METAL TECHNOLOGIES : Clean coating technology

An innovative metallization process that reduces the need for chemicals and the generation of wastewater.

This french  company offers an innovative, non-polluting technology for metal plating with an aqueous spray system. This totally new, patented technique makes it possible to metallize any surface by simultaneously spraying two aerosols, respectively containing an aqueous solution with metal cation (metallic salt) and an aqueous solution with a reducing agent. The mixture of these two solutions creates an oxidation-reduction reaction on the surface, forming an even, continuous metallic film. Jet Metal is commercializing a faster metallization process developed at the Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes at l'Ecole Centrale Lyon. 

Electroplating and vacuum deposition technologies are the most common metallization technologies today. But the coatings industry is facing stricter environmental controls on chemical waste and energy consumption. Jet Metal says the process meets those needs because it removes the need for highly polluting sulfochromic preparation treatments, reduces the quantities of reagents used, minimizes the generation of wastewater, and uses no VOCs.

The process removes steps, which can save time and money. Additionally, the process occurs at room temperature using basic painting tools.Jet Metal says the technology creates a synergy between the simplicity of painting techniques and the sophistication of metal plating coatings.In its patented metallization process, two aerosols are simultaneously projected onto substrates to react and form a homogeneous and continuous metal film.  The process can be used for a variety of metal coatings—including copper, nickel, cobalt or gold—and on a variety of substrates, such as metals, plastics, glass, ceramics, textiles, and wood. The process has applications in a number of industries, including cosmetics, glass, automotive, aerospace and appliances. 

Jet Metal Technologies raised €2.5 million for its new coating technology that reduces the need for chemicals and the generation of wastewater. The funds came from Viveris, Schneider Electric Ventures, Naxicap Partners and Rhône Alpes Création.

Source : Jet Metal Technologies