Surface finish
PVD deposits a thin, hard, beautiful coating in a vacuum. It is used for decorative and wear surfaces alike.
What it is
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is done in a vacuum chamber. A solid target is vaporized by heat or ions and lands on the part as a thin film. Common coatings are TiN (gold), TiAlN, and CrN. PVD is thin, extremely hard, and keeps tight tolerances.
How it works
Clean & load
The part is cleaned and placed in the vacuum chamber.
Pump down
Air is removed to create a vacuum.
Vaporize target
Heat or ions turn the target metal into vapor.
Deposit film
Vapor condenses as a thin, dense coating.
Cool & unload
The part cools and is inspected.
Why choose it
Resists wear, scratching, and erosion.
Gold, black, rose, and more.
Almost no dimensional change.
Dense film blocks attack.
Smooth, low-wear working surface.
Typical specs
| Specification | Typical range / value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Film types | TiN, TiAlN, CrN, ZrN, DLC | |
| Thickness | 1 – 5 µm | |
| Process temp | 200 – 500 °C | |
| Base materials | Steel, stainless, titanium, carbide |
Best applications
Drills and inserts with gold TiN.
Decorative colored finishes.
Bushings and slides.
Instruments with biocompatible film.
Materials
We apply PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) to the materials below. Not sure if your material qualifies? Our engineers will confirm it for free.
Our solution
We apply PVD coatings for both looks and performance. We recommend the film and color that fit your part's duty and base material.
Design tips
PVD suits both tool life and decoration.
Sharp edges may need a small radius.
Confirm your material tolerates the process heat.
FAQ