Mirror surface on PP??

[rool]

Hi,

I have designed a plastiv box in PP that I want a mirror surface on. I have some thought on how to do it but need some advise on the different methods that I am thinking of.
The size of the mirror area is 80*45mm. The area is recessed .3mm into the box.

1: I have seen logotypes on plastic that is made in crome, can a mirror be created that way?

2: I have heard that there are thin aluminum films with an adhesive on it. Could that work?

3: Is there a painting method that could work?

4: Any suggestion is welcomed!

Thanks,
Roger

 

[alexit]

How is part made, injection molding? Surface is always not so good as mold (due to shrinkage.) I have researched vapor deposit metals to plastic for appearance and other reason, which seems like good idea for your mirror. Applied film seems not so good as how to apply smoothly everytime. In one part we made very expensive stamped engraved thin metal plaque and epoxy this into pocket in plastic part...maybe also good for you.

 

[rool]

Hi,

The part is donw with injection molding. It is quite inexpensive $.30 so the mirror must be very inexpensive to make.

Do you have more information that I can read about vapor deposit metals? Is it expensive? The box will be somewhat flexible will the mirror surface be able to flex with it?

Applied film, will it stick to PP?

Thanks for your input.
Roger

 

[dwightdixon]

Before you decide on a process you must know what the annual production requirement is. Many of the cheapest methods involve the highest up front costs. The cost of labor is also a big issue in the US but it looks (from your english) that you are in a low labor rate part of the world. putting in a vacuum metallized mylar label may be the cheapest thing for you to do. Is this a true mirror where people will be looking at themselves to put on face powder or lip stick? How much distortion will be acceptable?

 

[rool]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply and help.
I am actually in Sweden but the product will be manufactured in Taiwan dut to the high labor cost here in Sweden.

I estimate the annual production to 50.000 units. (Hard to say since it is a new product for the market).

Yes people will use this mirror to look at themselves, putting in contactlenses.

Do you have more information about the "vacuum metallized mylar" method? Can I read about it on the internet?

Thanks,
Roger

 

[rool]

Hi Again,

Is a metallized mylar mirror put in the mold so it is molded into the product or is it put on the product with some sort of adhesive?

I can find companies that has metallized polyester but not that many that has mylar, what is the difference?

Roger

 

[dwightdixon]

Mylar is a brand name of polyester. Label and tape companies like 3M and Avery are the biggest suppliers of this type of product in the US. I would think a pressure sensitive adhesive label, die weed cut, on a ribbon would be the easiest way to handle a small volume like this. You might get a small amount of distortion but would be good enough to put in contacts.