The Vintage finish is achieved by placing metal accessories into vibrating bowls filled with ceramic materials. The size of the ceramics and the duration of the vibration are crucial in achieving the desired aged effect. During the process, the surfaces are intentionally “distressed,” creating a unique, vintage appearance. This process combines vibratory finishing with the premium quality of PVD or galvanic coatings, ensuring durability while delivering an exclusive look on every accessory.

LEM offers a range of Vintage finishes, ideal for fashion and luxury sectors. Each finish provides a unique, aged effect, adding aesthetic value and authenticity to products. Here are some of our most popular finishes:

To create the Vintage effect, LEM utilizes specialized rotary vibrators, advanced plants designed for both the Vintage treatment and pre/post-finishing treatments. The accessories are placed in rotating bowls containing ceramic materials, which gradually “distress” the metal surfaces in a controlled manner.

The combination of rotation and vibration allows precise adjustment of the intensity of wear, making it possible to customize the final result according to customer preferences. This process, highly valued by luxury brands, ensures exceptional finishes, whether used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a pre- or post-finishing phase.

The galvanic process involves immersing objects in galvanic baths, where thin layers of metal are deposited. During the process, an electric current is applied between the object and the metal intended for deposition, allowing a uniform coating to form. This method is ideal for galvanizing metal surfaces, enhancing their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appearance.

LEM offers galvanic treatments with Nickel or Nickel-free options on metals, providing safe solutions for applications where skin contact is a determining factor. Materials suitable for galvanizing include steel, iron, copper, zamak, brass, and many others.

LEM offers a wide selection of high-quality galvanic finishes, crafted with precious materials and fully compliant with safety and sustainability regulations. Some of our most popular finishes include:

LEM utilizes two automatic systems, one manual system, and one semi-automatic system to ensure high-quality galvanic coatings.

• Manual static system: requires great precision and attention from operators, who manage each stage of the process.
• Automatic static system: ideal for large-scale production, capable of creating nickel and nickel-free coatings with exceptional efficiency.
• Semi-automatic barrel system: perfect for small metal parts, ensuring maximum quality even for the smallest pieces.

Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is an advanced coating process in which metals are vaporized in a high-vacuum environment and then deposited onto a surface. This method creates a uniform, ultra-resistant coating suitable for numerous applications.
The foundational principles of PVD were first studied in the mid-19th century, and Thomas Edison filed the first industrial-use patent for this technology in 1892.

Unlike traditional electroplating methods, PVD allows the deposition of materials that cannot be achieved through galvanic processes, providing greater versatility in both finishes and applications.

LEM offers a wide range of PVD finishes, tailored for various industries and applications. Each finish combines durability with refined aesthetics, adding a touch of elegance to any project.

LEM’s systems utilize state-of-the-art PVD technologies, ensuring strict process control and the ability to coat a wide range of materials with customized finishes. Our technologies have been developed through continuous innovation, enabling us to deliver outstanding results for any industrial or design application.

PVD deposition systems can process items up to 80 cm in length and 15 cm in diameter for precious metal finishes, while other finishes can accommodate items with a maximum lateral size of 30 cm. In special cases, these dimensions may be exceeded following the design of specific custom frames.

Before undergoing the PVD treatment, items must be adequately prepared. For brass, a galvanic electrodeposition step is necessary. Additionally, since PVD faithfully replicates the item’s surface, it is essential to perform processes such as polishing, satin finishing, or sandblasting prior to treatment.