Are you considering customizing wheels? The PVD chrome coating option just might be what youre looking for.
PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition, a process where metal is applied in a vacuum chamber. It involves a powder that, when completed, offers a similarly shiny appearance as chrome, minus the negatives that come with it.
The process uses powder coat primer, a second powder coat layer that makes the wheel smooth, the metal layer and then a powder clear coat that is the that is used on more than 90 percent of vehicle wheels around the world.
Here are some of the advantages that come with PVD chrome:
- It can be applied to almost any aluminum wheel.
- You can get a chrome look with a superior product.
- Ideal in all weather.
- Simple to clean, with soap and water.
- There is no weight added, whereas chrome typically adds 1.2 to 2 pounds per wheel.
- Unlike chrome, the PVD process does not alter balance or uniformity.
- There are no tooling costs, which occurs with chrome plating and chrome cladding, which results in an upfront tooling charge.
- There are no design limitations
- The process is environmentally friendly, with no hazardous waste or byproducts (no environmental permit is required).
PVD coating is a fantastic durable alternative to the costlier chrome plating and traditionally painted aluminum wheels. The average timeline for completion is just a week or two. Existing wheel designs can easily be offered in a PVD finish. So, if the wheel is ready for paint, its ready for PVD coating.
Jason writes for WheelKraft NW, a wheel repair and refinishing company based in Portland, OR metro area.
