What is PVD coating used for?

It’s all about balancing product quality and manufacturing cost efficiency in today's market. Often, traditional product coating methods are too expensive, inefficient, or not environmentally friendly. Physical vapor deposition (PVD), or “vacuum coating,” presents an alternative way to improve product characteristics or appearance at a fraction of the cost-per-part of some other methods without environmental impact. As such, there is an ever-growing list of physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating applications. The coatings themselves commonly fall into different categories:

• Color PVD (durable-decorative) coatings (in optimized colors for consumer products) – Enhance a product's durability, aesthetics, and value.
• Performance coatings – Resists heat/cold/pressure/scale/erosion, biocompatible.
• Diamond-like carbon – Maximize durability, reduce friction, or improve appearance.
• PVD chrome alternative – A beautiful, durable, and safe alternative to hard chrome.
• Copper coatings – Copper can be used for its distinctive look and antimicrobial properties.

Have questions about the different coatings we offer? Contact us today!

What is PVD coating used for?

Which industries routinely use PVD and PECVD/DLC coating systems, and for what applications?

• Medical devices – Add chemical/wear resistance, hardness, and durable color without affecting product performance. Most of our PVD coatings are biocompatible.
  • Dentistry
  • Orthopedics
  • Surgical instruments
    
    
• Automotive: Improves the function and durability of engine components and creates a high-end look for auto and motorcycle trim.
  • Chassis
  • Engine components
  • Interior trim
    
    
• Machining: Cutting tools, molds & dies, engineered components.
  
  
• Architectural hardware – Create decorative finishes in many colors and add scratch/wear resistance to kitchen & bath fixtures.
  • Doorknobs
  • Faucets (kitchen and bath)
  • Other plumbing products
    
    
• Other consumer goods – Add quality, durability, great colors, and added value to products.
  • Jewelry
  • Promotional items
  • Watches
    
    

• Blades
  
• Firearms