Effect of Electro(less) Plating on Mechanical and Geometric Properties of Polymer-metal Structures Based on 3D Printed Models

This paper deals with the study of the properties of polymer-metal structures, where polymer parts were made using additive 3D printing technologies. Thick metal layers were deposited on the surface of polymer parts by electro(less) deposition. The bending properties of the polymer-metal structures were characterized in comparison with the uncoated polymer parts. Based on the simulations and the results obtained, the development of new polymer-metal structures using thick film chemical plating was proceeded. In the experiment, an initial verification of the feasibility of thick film chemical plating was carried out at a thickness of 200 µm. The effect of the proposed process on the geometrical properties of the components is discussed using study models.