An account of this apparently incredibly modern finishing process which has its origins in the seventeenth century: its development from the first studies of sputtering through to its substituting of chrome plating for automobiles and today&#;s decorative applications.
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Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a technique used to deposit thin films of one atom (or one molecule) at a time onto various surfaces, often metal, to give them a hard durable coating. The source of the coating is physical that is a solid or liquid instead of chemical as in the alternative coating process of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD).
PVD processes are carried out under vacuum conditions. The process involves four steps: These are Evaporation, Transportation, Reaction, Deposition.
Evaporation &#; A target is bombarded by a high energy source such as a beam of electrons or ions. This dislodges atoms from the surface of the target, &#;vaporising&#; them, therefore depositing the material on the work piece.
Transport &#; This is the movement of the vaporised atoms from the target to the substrate, or piece to be coated.
Reaction &#; In cases where metal is the target the PVD coatings will consist of metal oxides, nitrides, carbides and similar such materials. The atoms of metal will then react with the selected gas during the transport stage. The gases used in the above coatings may be oxygen, nitrogen and methane.
Deposition &#; This is when the coating builds up and bonds to the surface of the substrate. It even penetrates the surface slightly, to give a lasting level of adhesion.
PVD varieties are listed below.
The history of PVD is closely linked with the discovery of electricity the power of magnetism as well as the understanding of gaseous chemical reactions. The first piston type vacuum pump was invented in by Otto van Guericke to pump water out of mines.
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However the first person to use a vacuum pump to be able to form a glow discharge (plasma) in a &#;vacuum tube&#; was English scientist Michael Faraday in who used brass electrodes and a vacuum of approximately 2 Torr. Faraday was trying to prove that all electricity is the same kind of electricity when he happened upon the first two laws of electrochemistry. These laws deal with the relationship between the amount of electricity used and the amount of substance converted through a chemical reaction. These principles are still used in electrochemistry today to make metal-coated objects such as the PVD process.
In William Robert Grove was the first to study what became known as &#;sputtering&#; although others had observed this effect by looking at glow discharges. Grove used a tip of wire as the coating source and sputtered a deposit onto a highly polished silver surface which he held close to the wire at a pressure of about 0.5 Torr.
Professor A.W. Wright of Yale University wrote a paper in the American Journal of Science and Arts in on the use of something called an &#;electrical deposition apparatus&#; which was used to make mirrors. This deposition resembled arc evaporation rather than sputtering. The US Patent Office cited Wright&#;s work when challenging T. Edison&#;s patent application for vacuum coating equipment to deposit coatings. These were for his wax cylinder phonographs before they were electroplated. Edison came back and said that his invention was a continuous arc whereas Wright&#;s process was pulsed arc. Because of his powers of persuasion Edison could be said to be the first person to make commercial use of sputtering.
The Physical vapour deposition coating process is currently being used to extend the life of a number of products. These include swapping to PVD from more traditional processes used to coat car parts like wheels and pistons, surgical tools, drill bits, and guns.
In the motoring world, it is a better and greener alternative to chrome plating which produces toxic substances so a good ethical choice to protect parts on trucks and cars. Studies have shown that PVD coatings can enhance the lifespan of a product by up to ten times making them last more than 25 years in some cases.
What is PVD Plated Stainless Steel Jewellery?
In the world of jewellery, PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) plating has emerged as a revolutionary technique that not only enhances the aesthetics of these accessories but also provides remarkable durability and water resistance. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating process of PVD plating and explore how it transforms ordinary accessories into waterproof marvels that stand the test of time.
What is PVD Plating?
PVD plating is an advanced surface coating technique used to apply a thin film of metal to a substrate, such as stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic. Unlike traditional electroplating, which uses an electric current to deposit the metal onto the surface, PVD plating relies on a vacuum chamber and vaporization process.
The PVD Process:
1. Cleaning: Before the plating process begins, the substrate undergoes thorough cleaning to remove any impurities and ensure proper adhesion of the coating.
2. Vaporization: In a vacuum chamber, the metal to be deposited (e.g., titanium nitride, zirconium nitride, or chromium) is vaporized using an arc or sputtering process.
3. Deposition: The vaporized metal atoms condense onto the substrate, forming a thin, uniform coating.
4. Adhesion Layer: To enhance the bond between the metal coating and the substrate, an adhesion layer is often applied before the actual plating process.
5. Final Product: The result is a stunning and durable coating that provides enhanced properties, such as water resistance, scratch resistance, and improved wear resistance.
How is PVD Plating Waterproof?
The key to the waterproof nature of PVD plating lies in its exceptional adhesion and uniformity. The coating forms a strong bond with the substrate, leaving no room for water or moisture to penetrate beneath the surface. This impermeability effectively protects the substrate from oxidation and corrosion, enhancing the overall water resistance of the accessory.
The Benefits of PVD Plating:
1. Durability: PVD plating significantly increases the longevity of jewelry and timepieces, as it provides excellent resistance to scratches, wear, and fading.
2. Versatility: PVD plating offers a wide range of color options, allowing designers to create an array of stunning finishes, from classic gold and silver to bold black and vibrant colors.
3. Hypoallergenic: As PVD plating uses biocompatible metals like titanium, it is hypoallergenic and safe for individuals with sensitive skin.
4. Environmental Friendliness: PVD plating is an eco-friendly process as it generates minimal waste and uses fewer harmful chemicals compared to traditional electroplating methods.
Conclusion
PVD plating has revolutionised the jewellery industry by providing durable and water-resistant coatings that stand the test of time. Through its sophisticated vaporisation process, PVD plating creates a bond between the metal coating and the substrate, resulting in a waterproof marvel that enhances the aesthetics and lifespan of these accessories. Embrace the allure of PVD-plated jewellery and timepieces, knowing that they not only elevate your style but also provide a waterproof shield that ensures they shine brightly for years to come.
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