Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is an often used manufacturing coating process that takes place in a vacuum. The term PVD coating can be used to describe a number of different application processes, all of which use purely physical means to manipulate the deposition, as opposed to chemical.

Chiefly, physical vapor deposition equipment is used mostly in the manufacture of semiconductor devices, food packaging, and clear coatings on a number of products. It can also be used to coat metalworking tools and body jewelry. Although physical vapor deposition is often used, its important to know the following:

1. PVD produces less hazardous waste than electroplating and many other coating procedures because it does not require plating baths.

2. Physical vapor deposition also requires less regulation than other coating types. Inspections, transportation, emergency procedures and other strenuous regulations often aren't required for PVD.

3. Some materials cannot be coated using physical vapor deposition because they cannot withstand the high temperatures involved in the application process.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Decide what type of PVD coating procedure you will use

Some of the most common types of coating application include evaporative deposition and electron beam vapor deposition. In evaporative deposition, the coating material is heated to a high pressure by electrically resistive heating. In evaporative deposition, the coating is heated with an electron beam in high vacuum.

I recommend: Choose one of the many application methods available from Red Spot, or buy one Sulzer Metco's Maxit film applications.

Find a physical vapor deposition supplier

Make sure your chosen vapor deposition services company does the type of physical deposition you desire, and that they are willing to work with you to tweak their coating to meet your needs. Often companies will allow custom orders if you plan to mass produce the coating.

I recommend: Order vapor deposition services from Sputtek or Metron Technology, both of which provide custom services, in addition to several pre-selected coatings you can choose from to fit your application.

Buy equipment from PVD equipment manufacturers and apply the coating yourself

With the right technology and the proper safety standards PVD can be done by your company on it's own. While hiring a PVD service is best for hard or custom jobs, you can handle simple procedures by yourself with the proper equipment.

I recommend: Buy a vacuum from the Kurt J. Lesker Company. You can get physical vapor deposition machinery for a variety of application methods from Bid-Service.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Physical vapor deposition technology can be used to coat all kinds of materials, from metals to plastics. Most coatings can even be applied more than one way, giving you room to make the most economic and efficient choice for your coatings.