Abstract
This paper presents the results of experiments on metallization of plastic elements produced using 3D printing technology
from the light-hardened resins. The obtained coatings were bimetallic (Cu/Ni). The first step of metallization was the electroless
deposition of copper. The second one was electrodeposition of nickel on the previously prepared copper substrate. The parameters
of 3D prints preparation and metallization processes were deeply investigated.
The etching of plastics substrates and duration of electroless metallization of 3D prints by copper were analyzed. In the next
step the influence of nickel electrodeposition time was investigated. The coating were analyzed by XRD method and morphology of
surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thickness of coatings was calculated based on mass differences
and measured by using optical microscopy method. The optimal parameters for both processes were specified.
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