PVD coating
Physical Vapor Deposition
Ionbond™ PVD coating service
The Ionbond™ PVD coating service uses advanced physical vapor deposition technology to apply high-quality coatings made from nitrides, carbides, and carbonitrides of Titanium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), Zirconium (Zr), as well as aluminum-chromium alloy (AlCr), aluminum-titanium alloy (AlTi), and titanium-silicon alloy (TiSi) on a wide range of tools and components. Applications include cutting and forming tools, mechanical components, medical devices, and other products that benefit from the hard and decorative PVD finish provided by these coatings. The typical process temperature range for PVD coatings is between 250 and 450 °C, although in certain cases, Ionbond™ can deposit coatings at temperatures below 70 °C or as high as 600 °C, depending on substrate materials and required performance in the application. This PVD plating process is suitable for a variety of materials, including PVD stainless steel and other PVD metal substrates, to meet diverse industry needs.
Advantages of PVD coatings
Ionbond™ PVD coatings can be deposited as mono-, multi-, or graded layers. The latest generation of these films includes nano-structured and superlattice variations, offering enhanced properties. The coating structure can be finely tuned to deliver specific properties such as hardness, adhesion, and low friction, among others. The optimal coating selection is determined based on the demands of the application. Coating thickness ranges from 2 to 5 µm, though it can be as thin as a few hundred nanometers or as thick as 15 µm or more. The substrate materials range from steels and non-ferrous metals to tungsten carbides and pre-plated plastics. The suitability of the substrate material for PVD coating depends on its stability at the deposition temperature and its electrical conductivity.
Ionbond is one of the leading PVD coating companies in the world.
What is PVD coating technology?
Physical Vapor Deposition
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a method for producing metal-based hard coatings by generating partially ionized metal vapor, reacting it with selected gases, and forming a thin film of specified composition on the substrate. PVD metal coatings are particularly known for their strength and resilience.
Sputtering and cathodic arc
The most commonly used PVD coating service methods are sputtering and cathodic arc. In sputtering, vapor is created when a metal target is bombarded with energetic gas ions. The cathodic arc method, on the other hand, utilizes repeated vacuum arc discharges to strike the metal target and evaporate the material.
Frequently asked questions on PVD coating services
PVD coatings reduce long-term costs and improve efficiency by enabling longer-lasting tools and allowing for increased cutting speeds and feeds, thus boosting productivity. PVD-coated tools can run dry or with minimal lubrication (or release agents for forming tools), saving on both operational and recycling costs. In mechanical components, PVD plating reduces friction and wear, enhancing performance and reliability.
Prior to coating, substrates (tools and components) must be free of foreign substances, oils, or grease on all surfaces, not only those to be coated. Proper cleaning is critical for optimal adhesion and maximum CVD coating performance. Ionbond’s process includes a thorough cleaning phase, and we encourage clients to discuss the ideal preparation for their specific substrates.
The PVD coating process operates on a line-of-sight basis, requiring substrates to rotate in the chamber (from single to triple rotation) to achieve consistent coverage and thickness. Coating inner diameters is restricted to a depth equal to the diameter of the opening.
Typical lead times for both PVD and CVD coating services are usually 3 to 5 days. Test parts and sampling may take additional time for fixturing and process design.
Certainly! Please visit our dedicated page for DLC PVD coating service information.
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