PVD coatings
the level of expertise
Aalberts surface technologies offers engineering knowledge and service to improve the material characteristics of products through surface treatments, mainly on local customer and/or (global) Key Account specification.
surface treatment perfected the process
The term, “functional coating” has often been used as a synonym for tool coating: typically the coatings used are Titanium Nitride (TiN), Chromium Nitride (CrN), Zirconium Nitride (ZrN), Titanium Carbon Nitride (TiCN) and Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN). They are applied at higher temperatures and in greater thickness than other PVD coatings. While coating color and surface uniformity are important, the main emphasis is on hardness, density, mechanical bond strength to the part substrate, and overall wear resistance. Typical applications include instrument blades, knives, augers, drills, automotive wear parts, machine bits and metal forming tools.
Machine process enhancements have led to the development of a new class of coatings. Many of the performance attributes listed are complemented by the addition of “release or non-stick” properties. This has been a very important development for applications in the Plastics Industry involving calibrator plates for extruded
vinyl windows, extruder screws, compression rings, injector pins, etc. There has also been a dramatic increase in tool life (e.g. metal forming dies, stamping tools, etc.) due to increased lubricity and anti-galling properties.
All our Vacuum Chambers are “Batch Type” coaters. This simply means that whether there’s one part in the chamber or as many parts that could physically fit in the chamber, the process needed for coating 1 part is the same as a full run. Therefore we work diligently with our customers during sampling and quoting to minimize their cost per piece.
Aalberts offers all new prospective customers a ONETIME free sample of any NON-PRECIOUS metal coating in our inventory on an approved customer supplied substrate.
Aalberts (Woonsocket) has one of the largest Non-Captive Gold Sputtering Chambers in the USA. Available for both R&D and Production quantities.
equipmentcathodic arc MZR-373
Aalberts workhorse for Cathodic Arc Deposition is a Sulzer MZR-373 cathodic arc system. This chamber can apply both decorative and functional coatings to a wide range of substrate materials. With its large effective coating zone and multi-option racking carousel, our MZR-373 system can handle both large and small parts cost effectively. It’s a true “job shop” machine, engineered for production flexibility. Target changes are simple, process times are quicker.
equipmentDC magnetron sputtering
Our Sputtering Chambers employ two twin cathode systems. Although all PVD coating is “Line of Sight” our double cathode system allows our coating plasma to totally envelop the substrate. This special cathode arrangement makes it possible for us to deposit evenly on all exposed surfaces whatever the geometry of the part is.
Twin Cathodes also allow depositing two different elements without breaking vacuum
Regular Equipment Updates of Hardware and Software through OEM insures peak performance
substratesrequired plating thicknesses
PVD coatings can be applied to a variety of substrate materials (customer parts). Suitable substrates include stainless steel, high carbon steel, glass, ceramics, chrome, and select plastics.
Ultimately, the suitability of a particular substrate will depend on the required film characteristics. Aalberts will work with you to ensure that the coating thickness, target material, product masking and other process parameters yield the end product best suited to your application.
Brass Substrate: Nickel 20-30 microns
Chrome .25-.5 microns
Plastic Substrate: Copper 8-10 microns
Nickel 20-30 microns
Chrome .25-.5 microns
Zinc Substrate: Copper 10-15 microns
Nickel 20-30 microns
Chrome .25-.5 microns
Stainless Steel Substrate : There are no electroplating requirements
*Note – For severe field applications, a duplex nickel and micro-porous or micro-cracked chrome is recommended.
laboratoryin- house controls
Aalberts’ in-house laboratory allows it to analyze the performance of our films and to certify compliance with a variety of customer and industry requirements. We conduct most necessary coatings tests on site, including:
• Color Spectroscopy
• Rockwell C Hardness
• Wear: Vibratory Abrasion
• Coating Adhesion
• Surface Analysis/Coefficient of Friction
• Dektak Thickness Profilometer
• Thermal Cycling
For third party independent testing, Aalberts works closely with the Material Science Lab of the University of Rhode Island (URI). Their extensive laboratory is capable of performing SEM, Auger, X-Ray Fluorescence, EDX and other tribological analysis.
Aalberts processes parts of varying dimensions and materials for a wide range of customers. These parts include:
• Automotive Parts and Accessories
• Ceramic and Glass Parts
• Consumer Appliance Components
• Medical Instruments
• Electronic Components
• Kitchen, Bath & Door Hardware
• Marine Hardware & Accessories
• Cutlery & Blades
• Sporting Goods
•Telecommunication Components
