Ionbond coating centers can coat almost any substrate. Parts presented for PVD coating should be electrically conductive or have the ability to be pre-coated with a conductive film (nickel, chrome etc.) before coating. Under certain circumstances non-conductive substrates can also be coated using the Ionbond PVD process. Parts presented for CVD coating should be compatible with the higher processing temperatures used. The PaCVD process, used to deposit ADLC coatings, is capable of coating deposition on both conductors and insulators.

Maximize Your Benefits  
Tooling users can enhance the value they can gain from coating by following a few simple guiding principles when they prepare their tool prior to coating.

By following the guidelines listed here and by consulting in advance with Ionbond, your tools can be coated the right way with the right coating and you will maximize your benefits from your coating investment.

Ready to Use  
All tools presented for coating should be in a ready to use condition. Once coating is applied, tools typically cannot be reworked or changed without destroying the integrity and value of the coating.

Contaminant Free Surfaces  
Tools should be free of surface contaminants such as greases, lubricants, coolants, and other chemicals. Ionbond's rigorous cleaning process can remove most contaminants but better results can be obtained if tools are received in a relatively "clean" condition. For materials susceptible to rusting or surface corrosion, water soluble or light oil based corrosion inhibitors should be used but not used excessively.

Best Possible Finish  
Tools should be finished to the highest degree possible. In many cases, too rough a surface will defeat the value expected from the coating being applied. For forming tools, the best possible finish in working areas should be obtained. In all cases, tooling should be free of burrs or nicks that can negate the impact of coating almost immediately. While Ionbond has a full metal finishing and polishing capability, the best judge of tool quality and tooling geometry (critical radii, working areas etc.) is the tool owner.

Make Requirements known  
When presenting parts or tools for coating it is necessary to clearly identify the minimum area you require coated along with any masking requirements you may have. Identify the substrate material and operating or working conditions and, if applicable, provide the draw or tempering temperature used in the preparation of metal tools.