Laser Activation

The laser-activatable thermoplastic has a special additive in the form of an organic metal complex, which is activated by a physico-chemical reaction induced by the focused laser beam. This cracks open the complex compounds in the doped plastic, and breaks off the metal atoms from the organic ligands. These act as nuclei for reductive copper coating.

In addition to activation, the laser also creates a microscopically irregular surface. The laser only ablates the polymer matrix, not the fillers added to the plastic. This creates microscopic pits and undercuts in which the copper is firmly anchored during metallisation (see figs.).