Physical Vapor Deposition or PVD is a means of applying a thin coating of material to a surface of a substrate. It is similar in several ways to chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Both are an alternative to electroplating. Both use various types of materials to achieve the goal of a protective and decorative coating. PVD materials range from a common to precious metals.
Basic Techniques
PVD is a thing film deposition. It is applied to the substrate material in a layer that can vary but, in thin film applications, is atomically thin. The techniques employed consist of one of three basic methods:
- 1. Ion plating
- 2. Evaporation
- 3. Sputtering
The choice of technique will depend upon a number of factors including the base or substrate material, the purpose and the PVD material,
Why Use PVD Coatings
PVD is an excellent choice for thin film applications. While the results will vary according to the qualities of both the substrate and the PVD material, fabricators employ this method to achieve certain goals. These include:
- Improved hardness
- Greater wear-and-tear resistance
- Decreased friction
- Enhanced resistance to the process of oxidation
By choosing PVD materials over others, the manufacturer not only may improve he longevity of a product but also provide the components with effective protection against what can be adverse environmental conditions. In fact, PVD offers several advantages according to its proponents.
Advantages of Using PVD
PVD does provide its users with several benefits. Among them are:
- The coatings may provide greater protection against corrosive elements than those utilizing electroplating
- Rarely do you require a top coating over the PVD material
- The coating materials may be organic or inorganic
- The base or substrate materials can also be of virtually any type
- Techniques to apply PVD material is not restricted to a singular method
- PVD coatings are more environmentally friendly than electroplating and other methods. Less release of toxic material is involved making this the more popular choice with environmentalists
This does not mean it is without issues.
Disadvantages of PVD
Using PVD can be disadvantageous is a few ways. The methods employed can put restraints in the process. Furthermore, the procedure requires expertise in specific areas and special attention by trained personnel. Yet, what does have the biggest impact on using PVD is the cost. The capital cost associated with PVD is high restricting it as a preferred method of application to certain industries.
Using PVD Materials
Every method has its advantages and disadvantages. While PVD may be environmentally friendly and offer excellent thin film coating, it is more costly than its alternatives. Yet, if other factors are taken into consideration, it is possible to argue that using PVD materials is more cost-effective and achieve the best results in the long term.
If you ae searching for a company that offers high quality thin film and PVD Materials, consider contacting the leaders in this field. Since 1985, ACI Alloys Inc. has been providing its clients with solutions to their coating problems. They have the technology, the skill and the experience to deliver the right coatings on time and within budget. To discover more about how they can work with and for you, contact their professional technicians online at Website URL.