Re: ATM Vacuum Coating non-glass surfaces question

[k_patel@vsnl.com]

Jim Smyser wrote:
> 
> Anyone have any knowledge of type of surface properties vacuum bounding
> aluminum is know to adhere to? Specifically say fiber bound material? Reason
> I ask is I have made several (10" 15" and 20")  f/5 figured blanks out of a
> zero expansive fiber materal that is very cheap and easy to cast with
> excellent para figuration error. Just for the heck of it I been attempted to
> send off to have coated once I could determine what be a suitable coating to
> apply for preperation of the vacuum coating. Off hand I would say a epoxy
> sealer be fine and after cured do a fine polish to smooth it out much like
> one would with glass.
> 
> Jim

I have seen circular plane mirrors made by vacuum-coating CDROMs
with aluminium. The coating is adhesive enough to pass the scotch tape
test. The edges show visible distortion, but the reflexion from the
inner portion is remarkably good.

Perhaps it is possible to flex coated CDs into cheap mirrors? The bad
outer part can be apertured off.
 
Sincerely,
Kartik Patel
Bombay, India
k_patel@vsnl.com