Selective metallisation of insulating substrates by printing surface with carbon-based ink catalyst and electroless and electrolytic plating

摘要

A process for metal deposition on selected areas of an electrically insulating surface eg. in producing PBC comprises covering the selected areas with carbon based inks prior to the metal deposition process using any process known in the existing art of printing eg. impact, non-impact, xerographic, electrostatic printing. The metallization process consists of the steps of cleaning the surface after printing, optional sensitisation of the surface after cleaning, electroless deposition of the metal and electrolytic deposition of the same or another metal until a desired thickness or finish has been obtained.