This is your guide to PVD coatings
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Welcome to the website devoted to Physical Vapour Deposition, PVD a group of vacuum coating techniques that are used to deposit thin film coatings that enhance the properties and performance of tools and machine components. PVD coatings are used in a vast array of industries and hundreds if not thousands of applications as diverse as "self-cleaning" windows, medical implants, cutting tools, decorative fittings and Formula 1 racing parts. Here is a quick introduction to two of the main application areas for PVD coatings.
PVD coatings for tooling
In the areas of machining and tooling PVD coatings deposited using vacuum coating chambers are widely used to increase the life and productivity of production tools saving companies billions of dollars worldwide. The use of PVD coatings saves companies money in three ways. Firstly PVD coated tools can be run faster reducing cycle times and enabling the production of more components in less time. Secondly PVD coatings reduce wear and pickup reducing downtime due to tool replacement. Finally PVD coatings reduce the need for cutting fluid. Cutting fluids cost companies today up to 15% of their total production costs. PVD coatings can be run dry or with very limited amount of fluid.
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PVD coatings for components
In the area of machine components large vacuum coating machines are used to deposit low friction PVD coatings that reduce energy losses and the need for lubricant. Hard (2000 VHN), wear resistant, low friction coatings can be deposited with a friction coefficient <1/2 that possible using oil lubrication therefore eliminating the need for lubricant. These coatings are used extensively in motor sport.
More information about PVD coating applications
PVD coatings are used in many industrial applications, for more information about PVD coating applications click the link or use the menu at the top of the page.
Your guide to PVD coatings
This website provides a guide to PVD coating theory, PVD coating applications and PVD coating technology. Just click the links or use the dropdown menu to find out everything you need to know about PVD coatings. The PVD coatings sitemap is also useful.
The majority of the PVD coating information in this website concentrates on magnetron sputtering as this technology is the most versatile and is consequently the most suitable for a greater range of applications. However cathodic arc evaporation and pulsed laser ablation are used in some applications and therefore the basics of these two vacuum deposition techniques are given.
I have over years of experience in the PVD coating industry. If you wish to contact me to find out more about PVD coatings or want to know how PVD coatings could be used in your industry feel free to contact me at info@pvd-coatings.co.uk.
I will be happy to help.
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