TECHNOLOGIES & PROCESSES · SURFACE ENGINEERING

Surface finishing – PVD, coating & laser

Aesthetics. Functionality. Environmental awareness.

As a specialist in plastic injection moulding based in Baden-Württemberg, VARIOPLAST offers a complete range of surface finishing technologies for plastic components – inline, fully automated and Made in Germany. From PVD metallisation and robotic painting to laser marking and pad printing: all finishing steps are carried out immediately after injection moulding within the same production facility. VARIOPLAST is your certified one-stop partner for plastic injection moulding and surface finishing in Germany.

Fully automated inline finishing PVD metallization – Cr6-free 75% lower carbon footprint Made in Germany since 1970

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Explore Our Services

PROCEDURE OVERVIEW

Why choose surface finishing from VARIOPLAST?

At VARIOPLAST, surface finishing is not a downstream process, but is fully integrated into the in-line production process. This means: no external suppliers, no transportation routes, and no quality risks at interfaces. Every surface is finished in a fully automated, reproducible manner with comprehensive quality documentation—immediately after injection moulding.

01 – PVD metallization – environmentally friendly chrome plating

Using sputtering technology, VARIOPLAST applies metallic nano-coatings to plastic parts—both functional (ESD, electromagnetic shielding, radar technology) and decorative (chrome, stainless steel, aluminum finish). Crucially, PVD metallization is completely Cr6-free, making it a future-proof alternative to electroplating processes.

02 – Robotic painting – cost-effective, precise, multi-layer

Fully automated robotic painting is the preferred method for achieving high-quality paint finishes. Used in inline painting and PVD metallization processes, we achieve improved paint adhesion, paint savings of up to 96%, and significantly reduced turnaround times. 1K and 2K paints can also be applied in multiple layers—for primer, base coat, and topcoat.

03 – Laser marking – precise, durable, traceable

Laser marking is used to apply serial numbers, QR codes, DataMatrix codes, and intricate design elements directly to the surface of components. When combined with painting or PVD metallization, this creates unique day/night design effects. The markings are abrasion-resistant and meet all requirements for industrial traceability.

04 – Inline integration – all steps from a single source

What makes VARIOPLAST unique: injection moulding, cleaning, finishing, and assembly are all carried out within a single automated process network. Fully automated CO₂ pre-cleaning, plasma cleaning, painting, PVD, and laser marking can be combined on a single production line—ensuring maximum quality assurance and minimal turnaround times.

Range of Services

Our surface finishing technologies in detail

PVD metallization (sputtering technology)

Cr6-free decorative metallization: chrome, stainless steel, and aluminum finishes
Functional coatings: titanium, copper for ESD and electromagnetic shielding
Coatings compatible with radar technology
Adjustable layer thickness from translucent to opaque – ideal for light guides and reflectors
Absolutely precise surface reproduction thanks to nanometer-thin layer thickness
Fully automated and performed inline – can be combined with painting

Painting – robotic, spindle, and flat-surface painting

Robotic painting as the preferred method: uniform, reproducible film thickness
Up to 96% reduction in paint usage compared to manual methods
1K and 2K paints, including multi-layer systems (primer + base coat + topcoat)
Spindle painting for rotationally symmetrical components
Surface painting for large-surface components
Inline painting immediately after injection moulding – no external painting required

Lettering & decoration

Laser marking: QR codes, DataMatrix, serial numbers, intricate designs
Day/night design effects achieved by combining laser marking with painting or PVD
4-color pad printing for single- and multi-color prints
Hot stamping: extreme abrasion resistance, including metallic surface decoration

Pre-treatment processes

CO₂ Pre-cleaning (inline/automated) – for optimal paint adhesion
Plasma cleaning & surface activation (inline/automated)
Polishing (inline/automated) – for high-gloss components

Areas of application

Examples of surface finishing applications

VARIOPLAST finishes surfaces for a wide range of industries—anywhere where appearance, functionality, and durability are equally important:

Black Panel Technology: High-gloss display frames and front panels
Automotive exterior trim: Chrome finish via PVD without Cr6
ESD-protected enclosures with conductive PVD coating
Control elements with day/night design effects (laser + paint)
Products with legally required laser engraving traceability
White goods: high-gloss, scratch-resistant front panels
Medical components with abrasion-resistant surfaces

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FAQ

Frequently asked questions about surface finishing – PVD, coating, and laser

What is PVD metallization, and why is it better than electroplated chrome plating?

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a vacuum coating process in which metal atoms are evaporated from a target material under high vacuum and deposited onto the plastic as a nanocoating. Unlike traditional electroplating, PVD is completely Cr6-free and therefore compliant with the EU REACH Regulation. Thanks to the thin layer in the nanometer range, the basic mechanical properties of the plastic substrate are largely preserved—the component remains lightweight, thermally insulating, and dimensionally stable.

Can VARIOPLAST combine painting and PVD in an inline process?

Yes—that is one of VARIOPLAST’s core strengths. Injection moulding, CO₂ pre-cleaning, PVD metallization, and painting are carried out fully automatically within a single integrated production line. This eliminates interfaces, shortens lead times, and ensures consistent surface quality throughout the entire production run.

For which industries is PVD metallization of plastic parts suitable?

PVD is suitable for the automotive industry (chrome-like finish without electroplating), electronics and electrical engineering (ESD protection, electromagnetic shielding), telecommunications (radar technology), home appliances (decorative metal surfaces), and many other industries. VARIOPLAST can advise you on the optimal coating solution for your specific component.

How durable is laser marking on plastic components?

Laser markings are abrasion-resistant because they are not printed on the surface but rather etched into it. They remain legible throughout the component’s entire service life—even during cleaning processes, mechanical stress, or temperature fluctuations. As a result, they meet all requirements for industrial traceability and serialization.

Request a quote now

Would you like to learn more or request a quote right away? Contact us—VARIOPLAST is here to serve you as a reliable partner with over 50 years of experience.

Contact: contact@varioplast.de | www.varioplast.de

Location: Enzkreis, Baden-Württemberg, Germany – Made in Germany since 1970