PVD coating services
with CoatingFactory

PVD coatings generally have a higher mechanical resistance than other coatings. The hardness of PVD coatings, depending on the type, is in the range of 1500-2500HV.

PVD coatings, have very good corrosion resistance and are therefore very good for applications in aggressive environmental conditions (e.g. bathroom products). Depending on the quality of the coating, it also provides partial protection of the substrate against corrosion.

PVD coatings are characterised by their high resistance to UV radiation, and are therefore suitable for parts exposed to UV radiation, both for indoor and outdoor use. Their colour and properties remain practically unchanged over time.

Good-quality PVD coatings, thanks to their high adhesion and surface uniformity, are hardly reactive, making them highly resistant to the effects of various common cleaning detergents. One might be tempted to say that some PVD and PECVD coatings are practically completely unreactive.
reactive.

Depending on the targets and gases used, as well as the process parameters, a great variety of colours can be produced, e.g. gold, chrome, copper, bronze, deep black, gunmetal, mix colours (rainbow effect). These colours can be seen in our PVD coating applications section.

The visual effect (matt/polish/brush) depends on prior surface preparation. The PVD coating reflects the structure of the substrate due to its thickness (0.08um-4um). For examples of different surface finishes, see PVD coating applications.

The PVD coating process is usually the final surface treatment of the component. Due to the thinness of the coating (0.08um-4um), it perfectly replicates the previously prepared surface. However, in the case of coating plastic components, it is sometimes possible to additionally coat the component with a clear lacquer for additional protection.

In general, this depends on the volume of active plasma in the reaction chamber. The size of these chambers and the range of plasma action in decorative applications are larger than in technical applications, making it possible to coat even large parts. At Coating Factory we have 1000x1200mm equipment with a plasma operating range of 1200x1000mm (Height x Diameter).

Depending on the vacuum coating technology used, different types of material can be coated. Assuming the availability of the three technologies PVD (CAE), PVD (MS) and PECVD, it is possible to coat metals, plastics and ceramics (including glass). However, it should be noted that, depending on the type of substrate, coatings will have different mechanical properties (due to adhesion and process). Sometimes, for more demanding components, it may be necessary to lay down a galvanic interlayer before the surface is finished with a PVD coating

It is not possible to clearly define this. In the case of decorative solutions, however, the costs are so low that PVD coatings are finding their way into everyday items and the technology itself is being used more and more, also from an economic point of view.

The cost depends on a number of factors, these are:

• the size of the elements to be PVD-coated (this determines how many will fit into the process)
• the base material of the PVD coating component
• the expected mechanical properties of the PVD coating
• the expected colour of the PVD coating

At first glance, the processes appear similar, but PVD hard coatings have far superior mechanical and resistance properties. With hard PVD coatings, it is also possible to achieve a wider range of colours. The PVD hard coating process is usually a reactive process, involving the deposition of a special ceramic layer (e.g. TiN). In the case of metallization, it is usually the evaporation of the metal and its deposition on the coated component. In general, the main differences between these technologies are the process time, the type of source being vapourised and the fact that metallization

There is no single answer to this question, it all depends on the application of the coated component. However, due to the special properties of the hard coatings
PVD as well as the purity and eco-friendliness of the process, it is increasingly the technology of choice and in some areas already accounts for the vast majority of applications. The much greater colour possibilities of PVD and PECVD coatings compared to electroplating are also a major advantage. Due to the increasing environmental requirements of electroplated coatings, the PVD process is often the cheaper solution. The biological versatility of PVD and PECVD coatings also allows their widespread use in the food and clinical industries.