Sputter Deposition Meaning: Surface-Finishing Explained Step-by-Step | JLY Precision Tech China

Need to know the meaning of sputter deposition? JLY Precision Tech (China) explains how magnetron sputtering creates 5 nm–5 µm REACH-compliant coatings for aerospace, EV, medical and optics.

July 23, 2025

Sputter Deposition Meaning: The Engine Behind Modern Surface Finishing

1. Sputter Deposition Meaning – 60-Second Definition

Sputter deposition is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process where high-energy ions bombard a solid target, ejecting atoms that condense as a thin film on a substrate. Result: nano-thin, ultra-hard, REACH-compliant coatings that outperform chrome, paint, and DLC.

Attribute	Sputter Deposition	Electroplated Ni	Spray Paint
Thickness	5 nm–5 µm	5–50 µm	25–100 µm
Hardness (HV)	2 500–3 500	700	200
Max Temp (air)	1 000 °C	300 °C	150 °C
REACH Status	✅ Compliant	Restricted	Limited
Uniformity	±5 nm	±10 µm	±25 µm

2. How Sputter Deposition Works – Atom-by-Atom

Step	Vacuum Level	Temp (°C)	Action	KPI
1 Plasma Clean	10⁻³ mbar	25	Ar⁺ removes oil & oxide	Contact angle ≤ 8°
2 Bond Layer	10⁻³ mbar	200	50 nm Cr or TiN adhesion	Calot ±2 nm
3 Magnetron Sputter	10⁻⁴ mbar	150–500	Ions eject target atoms	±5 nm uniformity
4 Functional Stack	10⁻⁴ mbar	150–500	Gradient TiAlCrN / ta-C DLC	0.04 friction vs. steel
5 QA & Pack	Air	25	CT + nano-indent + salt-spray	CpK ≥ 1.67

3. Sputter Deposition vs Other PVD Methods – 2024 Benchmark

Method	Thickness (µm)	Hardness (HV)	Salt-Spray (h)	Max Temp (°C)	Typical Use
Electroplated Ni	25	700	48	300	Decorative trim
Spray Paint	50	200	48	150	Body panels
Magnetron Sputter	2	2 900	1 200	1 000	Turbine blades
Filtered Arc ta-C	0.5	3 000	1 000	400	Medical drills
HiPIMS Sputter	1	3 200	1 200	1 000	EV motor punches