Environmentally Friendly, RoHS-Compliant

We at WaveZero have been pioneers in the development of processes that deals responsibly with the "cradle to grave" idea of safe and effective EMC shielding. Critical to this end has been the creation of the DeepCoat vacuum metallization system that enables us to achieve adhesion of metal to a substrate without the necessity for an intermediate base coat.

Vacuum metallization processes used by WaveZero are intrinsically green. No volatile organic compounds are used or emitted. No toxins or hazardous chemicals are used or released into the environment. WaveZero is compliant with all local and global environmental and regulatory requirements.

In addition, when we bond a functional thin film deposition of aluminum directly to a substrate, the eventual recycling of the plastic can be safely and easily accomplished at a very small cost. The DeepCoat process does not require a base coat, so instead of destroying the plastic by incineration, you may recover it for reuse in other applications. Recycling requires no special equipment nor hazardous conditions are created by the cleaning process.

Should you want to remove the aluminum before recycling, immersion in a mild caustic solution or household bleach will chemically remove the coating. The average aluminum deposition is .000118 inches thick so that its mass is inconsequential in relation to that of the plastic. This technology is compatible with the stricter environmental requirements of the European and Pacific Rim markets and can be safely recycled. In Europe, vacuum deposition is widely used because it is environmentally safe during the initial application as well for being recyclable.

In addition, WaveZero DeepCoat vacuum metallization processes have been developed specifically to address the complex European Union Restriction on the Use of Certain Hazardous Substance (RoHS) requirements. RoHS requires plastic resin suppliers to eliminate the brominated chemicals historically used to achieve flame retardancy. This means that many plastic materials, such as Cycoloy, now use chemical substances that make the plastic almost impossible to plate with standard methods that result in poor coating adhesion.

In response, WaveZero developed proprietary processes and methods that enable the thin vacuum metalized coatings to overcome the deleterious effects of the materials used for flame retardancy. WaveZero is able to offer providers of electronic product enclosures and equipment the opportunity to achieve RoHS while retaining all the performance benefits of metal coating.

We will continue to introduce new products and innovations for the shielding market that contribute to a safe and sustainable environment for our children and posterity.

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