Plastic parts can be coated with metal, a process called metallization, for both aesthetic and mechanical purposes. Visually, a metal coated piece of plastic features increased gloss and reflectivity. Other properties, such as abrasion resistance and electric conductivity, which are not innate characteristics of plastic, are often obtained through metallization. Metalized plastic components are used in similar applications as metal plated parts, but tend to be lower in weight and have higher corrosion resistance, although not in all cases. In addition, electrical conductivity can be controlled in metalized plastic components, and they are inexpensive to manufacture. To metalize a piece of plastic, several common methods are used: vacuum metallization, arc and flame spraying, or plating. It is also possible to metalize a transfer film, and use alternative methods to apply the film to the surface of the substrate.