Arcmotive VM 710 Vacuum Metallising Base Coat
An ultraviolet cured base coat applied to the moulded part before aluminium deposition, and the grade that decides whether a reflector reaches its optical target. It levels flow lines, sink marks and moulded texture into a smooth film so that the deposited metal reads as a mirror.
Grade Arcmotive VM 710 | Range Automotive Coatings | Technology Ultraviolet curing base coat, solvent-borne
Technical Data Sheet
Arcmotive VM 710
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
An ultraviolet cured base coat applied to the moulded part before aluminium deposition, and the grade that decides whether a reflector reaches its optical target. It levels flow lines, sink marks and the surface texture of the moulding into a smooth film so that the deposited metal reads as a mirror rather than as a moulded surface, and it outgasses cleanly so that the vacuum cycle is not extended. It is the thicker of the two metallising grades, because levelling is a function of film build, and it is specified for headlamp and tail-lamp reflectors, bezels and decorative trim.
2. Features
- Levels flow lines, sink marks and moulded surface texture to an optical finish
- Outgasses cleanly so that the vacuum cycle is not extended
- Thicker of the two metallising grades, because levelling is a function of film build
- Spray, dip or flow coat application with ultraviolet cure
3. Recommended uses
Headlamp and tail-lamp reflectors, bezels and decorative trim in ABS, PC/ABS, BMC and high-temperature thermoplastics, ahead of aluminium vacuum metallising and Arcmotive VM 750 top coat.
Substrates. ABS, PC/ABS, BMC and high-temperature thermoplastics used for reflector bodies.
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Ultraviolet curing base coat, solvent-borne | Formulation |
| Appearance | Smooth, levelled film giving a mirror appearance once metallised | Customer or supplier protocol, visual assessment after metallising, against the approved master part |
| Dry film thickness | 15 to 25 micrometres | ISO 2808 |
| Cross-cut adhesion, metallised system | Classification 0 to 1 with no flaking at the cut intersections, held after humidity and thermal cycling | ISO 2409 |
| Ultraviolet cure dose at the part surface | 800 to 1600 millijoules per square centimetre | Radiometer on the conveyor, instrument and spectral band as agreed in the customer or supplier protocol |
| Outgassing in the vacuum chamber | No extension of the metallising cycle | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Optical target of the metallised part | As set in the customer protocol | Customer or supplier protocol |
| Condensation humidity resistance, metallised system | 240 to 504 hours at 40 degrees Celsius with no blistering, softening or adhesion loss, assessed after 1 to 2 hours recovery | ISO 6270-2 |
| Temperature cycling | 10 cycles between minus 40 and 120 degrees Celsius with adhesion held and no blistering, cracking or flaking | Customer protocol cycle, assessed to ISO 2409 and ISO 4628-1 to ISO 4628-5 |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Surface preparation | Clean, dry and destaticise the moulding, and coat under filtered air, because a dirt inclusion in the base coat becomes a visible defect once the part is metallised. |
| Application method | Spray, dip or flow coat. |
| Dry film thickness | 15 to 25 micrometres. |
| Flash off and pre-cure | Solvent flash typically 5 minutes, then pre-cure at 55 to 65 degrees Celsius. |
| Ultraviolet cure | Measured dose of 800 to 1600 millijoules per square centimetre at the part surface, read with the radiometer and in the spectral band agreed for the line, and checked on the conveyor. |
| Next step | Metallise within the controlled hold time, then apply Arcmotive VM 750 top coat inside the line hold time. |
| Safety and handling | Refer to the Safety Data Sheet, issued on request against the product supplied. |
Process. Spray, dip or flow coat at 15 to 25 micrometres. Solvent flash 5 minutes, pre-cure at 55 to 65 degrees Celsius, ultraviolet cure at a measured dose of 800 to 1600 millijoules per square centimetre, then metallise.
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed, opaque containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated store, protected from daylight and any ultraviolet source and away from sources of heat, since light can start cure in the container. Shelf life is stated on the label and the Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.