PVD Coating Applications: 2024 Surface-Finishing Playbook for Every Industry
1. Where Are PVD Coating Applications Used?
| Industry | Typical Substrate | Film Stack | Benefit | 2024 Demand CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace | Inconel 718 | TiAlCrN 2 µm | 1 000 °C oxidation | +12 % |
| EV Motors | H13 steel | CrAlON 1.8 µm + a-C:H 50 nm | 4× tool life | +18 % |
| Medical | 316L SS | ta-C 300 nm | CE-compliant, low friction | +15 % |
| Consumer Optics | BK7 glass | Al₂O₃/SiO₂ 200 nm | AR ≤0.2 % | +8 % |
| Food Processing | 440C SS | ta-C 1 µm | FDA-compliant release | +6 % |
| Decorative | Brass | TiN 300 nm | Gold color + wear | +5 % |
2. 2024 Application Matrix – Industry vs Film Stack
| Application | Film Stack | Hardness (HV) | Salt-Spray (h) | Max Temp (°C) | REACH Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turbine Blade Root | TiAlCrN 2 µm + a-C:H 200 nm | 2 900 | 1 200 | 1 000 | ✅ |
| EV Motor Punch | CrAlON 1.8 µm + a-C:H 50 nm | 2 600 | 800 | 400 | ✅ |
| Medical Staple | ta-C 300 nm + Cr 30 nm | 3 000 | 1 000 | 400 | ✅ |
| Smartphone Lens | Al₂O₃/SiO₂ 200 nm | 1 200 | 500 | 600 | ✅ |
| Food Blade | ta-C 1 µm | 3 000 | 1 000 | 400 | ✅ |
3. Three 2024 Case Studies (Never Published)
Case 1 – Aerospace Turbine Blade
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Client: European OEM, 2024
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Problem: Fretting at 850 °C dovetail
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PVD Stack: TiAlCrN 2 µm + a-C:H 200 nm
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Outcome: Wear scar < 5 µm after 1 000 h; maintenance interval doubled
Case 2 – EV Motor Lamination Die
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Client: US EV Tier-1, 2024
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Problem: 0.35 mm electrical steel sticking at 400 °C
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PVD Stack: CrAlON 1.8 µm + a-C:H 50 nm
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Outcome: Tool life 4× longer, scrap −40 %
Case 3 – Smartphone EMI Window
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Client: Global OEM, 2024
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Problem: 6 GHz EMI leakage through SiC substrate
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PVD Stack: 150 nm Ag/Ni/Cr multilayer
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Outcome: Shielding 85 dB @ 6 GHz, CISPR 25 passed
4. How to Specify Your Application (Quick Checklist)
| Parameter | Question | Recommended Stack |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Temp | >400 °C? | TiAlCrN or CrAlON |
| Biocompatibility | Medical? | ta-C or SiBON |
| EMI Shielding | >40 dB? | Ag/Ni/Cr multilayer |
| FDA Food Contact | Yes? | ta-C or Al₂O₃ |
| Decorative Gold | Needed? | TiN 300 nm |
5. Global Standards & Sustainability
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ISO 9001:2015 / IATF 16949 / ISO 13485
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REACH, RoHS, FDA 21 CFR §175.300
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Energy: 0.45 kWh per m²
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Waste: Zero liquid effluent
6. 7-Day Delivery 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 |
7. FAQs – Which PVD Application Fits My Job?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can PVD coat plastics? | Yes—metallised PEEK, PEKK, LCP. |
| Largest part? | 800 mm Ø × 1200 mm L. |
| Minimum order? | 1 piece. |
8. How to Order Tomorrow
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Email [email protected] with STEP/IGES.
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State substrate, load, temperature, thickness budget.
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Receive DFM + application-specific stack + quote within 48 h.
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Approve → 3-day prototype → volume ramp.
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