Thin film coatings have become popular over the past several decades. One method of producing thin film coatings is physical vapor deposition (PVD) materials. PVD materials are becoming standard usage in certain industrial applications. PVD coatings are being preferred because they can provide thin film coatings for extending the life and improving the appearance of certain components or items.
PVD Techniques
PVD is not a singular term. It applies to a group of processes in which PVD materials are to be deposited on the surface of the workpiece or substrate. The two common methods utilized are:
* Thermal Evaporation: This is the simplest form of PVD materials deposition. The method utilizes the atomic cloud formed when the coating metal evaporates in a vacuum environment to cover the surfaces that exist between the substrate and the source material (Charge) or target. The result is a thin film coating for usually plastic components that is more decorative than protective. It does not stand up well to heavy wear-and-tear.
Thermal evaporation may also be utilized to apply thicker layers of PVD materials that are heat resistant onto various components, including those of jet engines. It is also not as popular as it once was.
* Sputtering: This is a plasma-assisted technique. The vacuum system synonymous with PVD materials and coatings is an argon system. Coatings consist of ceramics, organic and inorganic compounds and metal alloys. Sputtering has an advantage over the evaporation method. It provides good step coverage. It also can be performed on a wide variety of materials including both dielectrics and elemental metal alloys.
Sputtering is commonly employed to provide PVD materials on such items as:
* Cutting tools
* Dies
* Forming tools
* Injection molding tools
* Punches
However, sputtering cannot treat insulators with dc PVD. It must be ac PVD.
Factors Affecting the Quality of PVD Materials Deposition
The thin film deposition of PVD materials on the substrate can fail to reach the right level of quality the client requires. Three factors in particular can have an effect on the functionality and quality of the PVD material deposition. These are:
* Deposition Source: Its quality and performance
* Deposition Materials: Their structure and properties
* Deposition System: Its exact layout and performance capabilities
Companies that can control these aspects to ensure the thin film layer deposition is placed accurately and properly are those that continue to be successful in the business.
PVD Materials and Thin Film Layers Deposition
Thin-film layer coatings currently have a large role in the manufacture process of numerous electric devices. One method of achieving thin film layer deposition is PVD. PVD is employed today in various applications. Among them is microelectronic devices, insulators, capacitators, interconnects, optical components and fuel cell electrodes. Among the standard PVD materials indicating the ability to thin film coat such devices are precious and base metals as well as metal alloys.
Since 1985, ACI Alloys Inc. has been offering thin film and PVD Materials intended for a various uses. With components able to address the demands of specific dimensions, including width, size and shape, our company has forged ahead solid relations with our clients. We have a reputation for delivering the desired coatings on time and within budget. To discover more about our capabilities, contact our professional technicians and engineers online at website.
