Appliance Design - September 2008 - (Page 51) DECORATION with injection molding and extrusion technology. A product within the LiquidMetal line is Bright Chrome for plastics, which can be custom formulated with a variety of colors and textures such bright chrome, matte chrome, red chrome, yellow chrome, brushed chrome, and other finishes. And, unlike electroplated chrome, or other surface treatments, the chrome look permeates throughout the part so that if it is scratched the succeeding layer looks the same. Additionally, the masterbatch can include additives for improved UV protection, flame retardance, and other mechanical and functional properties. The gloss level can vary depending on the polymer chosen, says Brownfield. If using a PC or PET, the substrate will give a highly reflective surface that is similar to a chrome plated part. Polymers that are not as inherently glossy, such as ABS, PP or PE, will not have the same gloss levels. A highly polished tool or dye can also accentuate the gloss levels. BSH Appliances used Soliant’s film to gives the knobs, buttons, and other decorative parts on the clothes washer a chrome appearance. “I don’t know if you can ever duplicate the electroplated look, but this is a way to mold it into the part right in with the resins and the part is done. Little to no secondary operations are required, the number of parts can be reduced, and the manufacturer is not dealing with the disposal and ventilation issues that you have with electroplating,” he says. “If you want a more economical way to get a chrome part, this is a good option.” Whatever method used, trade-offs are going to be made. Moving from electroplating chromium alleviated some health and environmental concerns but raised concerns about the quality of the coating. Molded-in plastics are easy to use, and inexpensive, but up close may look and feel more like plastic. Films and PVD processes are more expensive than molded-in plastics, but offer fast cycle times and a high-quality look at far less than the cost of traditional electroplating. Aesthetic, cost, and performance requirements will determine the optimal method for a given application, but the important point is that designers now have more choices available for achieving the bright, shiny look of chrome. < For more information, email: American Trim, jswigard@amtrim.com Ampacet, Eileen.Ferguson@ampacet.com DuPont Powder Coatings, owen.h.decker@usa.dupont.com Goodrich Technology, pcolahan@goodrichtechnology.com Sheffield Plastics, info@bayerfilms.com Soliant, pvanderster@PAINTFILM.com Variable Speed Motors Save Energy Allegro offers energy-saving inverter power modules* (IPMs) for driving variable speed motors and inverter. IPM Advantages Over Discrete • PCB space reduction (compact design) • Lower failure rate (less components and solder joints) • Proven Allegro support - Already in use for many products - Design assistance and demo boards • Optimized for low EMC noise switching • Lower solution cost - Simpler design - Integrated protections, gate resistors, and drive configuration circuitries - Simpler assembly - Smaller PCB - Smaller heat sink - Shorter design time Allegro Devices Available SMA SLA SCM Maximum load current 1.5 A to 2.5 A 1.5 A to 3 A 5 A to 15 A Output power Up to 100 W Up to 200 W Up to 750 W Typical applications Fan for air conditioners Fan for air conditioners Compressor for refrigerators Pump for dishwashers Compressor for refigerators and air conditioners, Pump for dishwashers Fan for air conditioners Soap dispenser for washers and washing machines, Spa and pool motors * Designed and manufactured by Sanken Electric www.allegromicro.com/promo524 115 Northeast Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01606 USA � 508.853.5000 High-Performance Power ICs and Hall-Effect Sensors AD09084Alle.indd 1 www.applianceDESIGN.com applianceDESIGN 8/12/08 11:06:13 AM September 2008 51 http://www.allegromicro.com/promo524 http://www.allegromicro.com/promo524 http://www.appliancedesign.com
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