How Does PVD Coating Work? A Step-by-Step Surface-Finishing Guide
1. What Does “PVD Coating Work” Actually Mean?
“PVD coating works” = vacuum physics + nano-chemistry turning your substrate into:
-
2 500–3 500 HV hardness
-
0.04–0.08 friction vs. steel
-
1 000 °C oxidation resistance
-
REACH-compliant finish
All in ≤ 3 µm without dimensional change.
2. The 5-Step PVD Surface-Finishing Journey
| Step | Vacuum Level | Temp (°C) | What Happens | KPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Pre-clean | 10⁻³ mbar | 25 | Ar⁺ plasma removes oil, oxide | Contact angle ≤ 8° |
| 2 Bond Layer | 10⁻³ mbar | 200 | 50 nm Cr or TiN for adhesion | Calot thickness ±2 nm |
| 3 Deposition | 10⁻⁴ mbar | 150–500 | Magnetron sputter or arc evaporate | ±5 nm uniformity |
| 4 Post-Polish | Air | 25 | Ion-beam or CMP Ra ≤ 0.01 µm | Optional |
| 5 QA & Pack | Air | 25 | CT + nano-indent + salt-spray | CpK ≥ 1.67 |
3. 2024 Performance Benchmark – PVD vs Legacy Finishes
| Finish | Thickness (µm) | Hardness (HV) | Salt-Spray (h) | Max Temp (°C) | Cost / m² (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electroplated Ni | 25 | 700 | 48 | 300 | 2.5 |
| Spray Paint | 50 | 200 | 48 | 150 | 0.8 |
| Traditional DLC | 2 | 2 000 | 500 | 400 | 4.0 |
| HiPIMS TiAlCrN (PVD) | 2 | 2 900 | 1 200 | 1 000 | 3.2 |
| Filtered Arc ta-C (PVD) | 0.5 | 3 000 | 1 000 | 400 | 2.8 |
4. Three 2024 Case Studies — How PVD Coating Works in Real Life
Case 1 – EV Motor Lamination Die
-
Challenge: 0.35 mm electrical steel sticking at 400 °C
-
Process: Plasma clean → CrAlON 1.8 µm → a-C:H 50 nm
-
Outcome: Tool life 4× longer, scrap −40 %
Case 2 – Medical Staple
-
Challenge: 316L needs low-friction piercing
-
Process: ta-C 300 nm + Cr 30 nm bond layer
-
Outcome: Penetration force −25 %, CE mark granted
Case 3 – Smartphone EMI Shield
-
Challenge: 6 GHz EMI leakage in SiC inverter
-
Process: Ag/Ni/Cr 150 nm multilayer
-
Outcome: Shielding 85 dB @ 6 GHz, CISPR 25 passed
5. How Fast Does the PVD Process Run? (Timeline)
| Milestone | Lead Time |
|---|---|
| DFM + Quote | 24 h |
| Prototype (1–10 pcs) | 48 h |
| Validation (CT, salt-spray) | 5 days |
| Mass production | 7–10 days |
| Door-to-door delivery | 12 days total |
6. Global Standards & Sustainability
-
ISO 9001:2015 / IATF 16949 / ISO 13485
-
REACH, RoHS, FDA 21 CFR §175.300
-
Energy: 0.45 kWh per m²
-
Waste: Zero liquid effluent
7. FAQs – How Does PVD Coating Work on …?
Q: Can PVD coat plastics?
A: Yes—metallised PEEK, PEKK, LCP.
A: Yes—metallised PEEK, PEKK, LCP.
Q: Largest part?
A: 800 mm Ø × 1200 mm L.
A: 800 mm Ø × 1200 mm L.
Q: Minimum order?
A: 1 piece.
A: 1 piece.
8. How to Start Tomorrow
-
Email [email protected] with STEP/IGES.
-
State substrate, load, temperature, thickness budget.
-
Receive DFM + coating stack + quote within 48 h.
-
Approve → 3-day prototype → volume ramp.
Explore complementary services: Professional Anodizing Near Me
Ready to see atoms working for you?
Contact JLY Precision Tech—the China team that explains how PVD coating works and ships tomorrow.
Contact JLY Precision Tech—the China team that explains how PVD coating works and ships tomorrow.
