PVD coating is a type of thin film deposition. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a process in which a solid material is deposited onto a substrate to form a thin film. PVD coatings are typically applied to metals, ceramics, or polymers. The PVD process can be carried out in a vacuum chamber, under a high vacuum, or in an atmosphere containing reactive gases.
PVD coatings have many advantages over traditional coatings. They are harder and more wear resistant than conventional coatings. They also have better corrosion resistance and can be used to enhance the appearance of a product by changing the color or finish.
Being able to apply coatings at the atomic level using PVD allows control of structure, density and stoichiometry of the films. Using certain materials and processes, we can develop specifically desired attributes of the physical vapor deposited film like hardness, lubricity, adhesion and more.
These coatings can reduce friction and provide a barrier against damage. The applications for these coatings are ever expanding. Aerospace, automotive, defense, manufacturing and more where long lasting durability is crucial.
This type of physical vapor deposition coatings can also be highly resistant to tarnishing and corrosion, enabling them to be used for a wide range of decorative finishes with colors that do not fade. A PVD gold or platinum coating produces brilliant finishes that make watches highly resistant to scratches and scrapes that cause less resilient processes to wear off.
Titanium nitride and similar coatings offer beautiful finishes that are also very resistant to corrosion and wear. This makes them widely used on household items such as door handles, plumbing fixtures and marine fixtures as well as machining tools, knives, drill bits, etc. It produces coatings with superior hardness, durability and resistance to wear.
The PVD Coating Applications
PVD coatings are often used in applications where wear resistance and/or corrosion resistance are required. Some common examples include:
- Cutting tools (drills, milling cutters, etc.)
- Automotive engine parts (valvetrain components, pistons, etc.)
- Optical lenses
- Medical implants
- Watch components
If you are in need of a high-performance coating for your application, PVD coatings should be one of your first considerations. Thanks to their excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties, PVD coatings can greatly improve the lifetime of your components. Furthermore, with an ever-increasing range of colors now available, PVD coatings can also be used for decorative purposes.
As you can see, there are a number of advantages that come with using PVD coatings. From their superior resistance to corrosion and scratching to their increased durability and improved appearance, it’s easy to see why PVD coatings are quickly becoming the coating of choice for a variety of industries. If you are in need of a high-quality coating solution, then look no further than PVD coating!