Surface finishing and functionalization of plastic and composite parts
A molded part rarely leaves the press ready for service. Replacing metal means the part has to carry current, shield interference, resist abrasion or integrate functions, without giving up the weight advantage that led to the choice of polymer in the first place. DEMGY Group covers the finishing and functionalization operations that deliver those properties: metallization and surface treatment, painting, decoration and assembly, through to electronic functions built into the part itself.
Metallization and surface treatment
Depositing a metal layer turns an insulating polymer part into a conductive or shielded one. DEMGY Group masters the metallization of plastics and composites (copper, nickel, silver, gold, zinc) through electroplating, electroless plating and PVD, along with the surface treatment of metals. These processes answer needs for electrical conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, surface finish, stiffening of additively manufactured parts or reduced friction coefficients.
For the most demanding applications, selective metallization deposits metal only on predefined areas, serving the electromagnetic compatibility of onboard systems.
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Painting, decoration and assembly
Paint is more than appearance: it is a function in its own right. DEMGY Group applies cosmetic paint in manual or automated booths, with abrasion and scratch resistance and antistatic properties, favoring waterborne paints, as well as conductive paint for electromagnetic shielding.
The offer also covers full part assembly: hot plate and ultrasonic welding, snap-fit assembly, heat staking, riveting and insert fitting.
Laser marking handles part identification and unit-level traceability with no material removal: Datamatrix codes, QR codes, serial numbers and pictograms stay legible, including on painted or metallized parts. The Făgăraș site runs this process for automotive, aerospace, medical and defense applications.
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Smart plastic and plastronics
Plastronics builds electronic functions directly into the plastic part. DEMGY Group implements 3D selective metallization (MID, Molded Interconnect Device), conductive polymer injection and a product range dedicated to electromagnetic compatibility and microwave absorption. This integration cuts down the number of components and assembly operations.
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Electromagnetic compatibility, a cross-cutting answer
Shielding and wave absorption run through all of these capabilities: selective metallization, conductive paint acting as a Faraday cage, MID integration and absorbing materials. DEMGY Group designs EMI/EMC shielding and interference management solutions for critical onboard systems, up to microwave applications. The dedicated absorbing materials are grouped in the Alkard® range.
Complete finishing to replace metal
Taken together, these operations make it possible to substitute a plastic or composite part for a metal one, with a decisive weight saving and a more integrated geometry. This metal replacement strategy serves aerospace, space, defense, automotive and energy. In the medical market, DEMGY Group acts as a partner, from functionalization through to the assembly of biocompatible components.
Discuss a functionalization project
To assess the finishing or functionalization of a plastic or composite part, DEMGY Group teams can carry out a feasibility study and a technical review.
