ion sputtering coating method

Ion Plating

Ion plating is a physical vapor deposition, or PVD, process in which material is vaporized by bombardment with ionized gas, like argon, and then introduced onto the part surface, which is grounded and held at a lesser electrical potential. This process is commonly referred to as ion vapor deposition, ion-assisted deposition, plasma-assisted deposition, reactive magnetron sputtering or by the tradename ionic plating.

Ion plating is rapidly becoming a very popular, low-cost and reliable process for applying thin film thin metallic coatings. It is ideal for high-volume production and is capable of producing top-level decoration colors, quality and chemical stability.

Ion plating is a modern metal deposition method, primarily used for metal plating on products made of aluminium, magnesium, zinc and copper. Even stainless steel, titanium and other alloys may be ion plated.

The materials being plated must first be carefully cleaned and pre-treated so that no dirt or oil remains. Small particles, such as dust and other debris, must also be removed, otherwise they may become embedded within the finish. Cleaning and pre-treatment methods may vary, depending on the type of material and finish being applied.

Once the parts are properly pre-treated, they are placed in a vacuum chamber where a combination of plasma energy and mechanical force is used to expel inert gas, such as argon or krypton, containing small concentrations of metal ions. The process of bombarding the coating material’s surface with ionized gas causes small grains of metal, called clusters, to be deposited. These small particles then adhere to the surface.

Ionic plating is often chosen because of its superior corrosion protection when compared with other metal plating processes. It produces thinner, more uniform, and more durable coatings than other plating processes, and does not require hazardous chemicals or potentially hazardous waste products. The process also offers a wide variety of colors, depending on the metal used in the plating process.

Overall, ion plating is a very effective and beneficial way to finish metals. It produces a long lasting finish that resists scratches, abrasion, and corrosion, while enhancing the look and feel of the product. This is why many automobile companies see it as the preferred choice to use in applying thin coating finishes. In addition, ion plating is an environmentally friendly method of finishing, as the entire process is free of many of the hazardous chemical that traditional plating processes use.

Ion Spraying Coating

Ion spraying coating is a surface treating technique for metallizing substrates. It is a process of physical vapor deposition of metals and other substances from the gaseous state onto a desired surface. The process is also known as ion plating or ion vapour deposition (IVD).

There are two main components involved in the ion spraying coating process. First, an electrically energized substrate is used as an electrode. This substrate is either positively or negatively charged depending on the application. Second, a cathode or anode is positioned at an angle relative to the substrate’s surface.

When the substrate and cathode or anode are both energized in a gaseous atmosphere, ions are generated and accelerated across the gap between the two. These ions collide with the surface of the substrate, imparting a positive or negative charge and forming a deposit. This can be a coating of metal, a metallic alloy, or another material.

The advantage of using ion spraying coating is that it can produce extremely thin layers, typically 0.3 to 2 microns in thickness. These layers often have greater adhesion and are electrically conductive and corrosion resistant. This technique is often used for automating and increasing the hardness of parts for automotive, aeronautical and aerospace components.

The types of materials used for ion spraying coating depend on the application. Commonly these materials can be metals such as aluminum, titanium, and cobalt. Non-metals such as glass and ceramics, oxides, and alloys can also be used.

Ion spraying is used in various industries including automotive, electronic and aerospace. The process presents a range of advantages over other physical vapor deposition techniques as it has a greater coverage area, is faster and results in thinner deposits. It is also less expensive than chemical vapor deposition processes.