PVD Coatings

Physical vapour deposition and plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition (PVD and PACVD) are environmentally-friendly vacuum deposition technologies involving a thin deposition of material on the surface of the parts to be treated. 

These coatings are extremely hard, with a low coefficient of friction; some can resist high operating temperatures and usually have an attractive range of colors.

They make it possible to obtain coatings having:

  • Thicknesses which can vary from several nanometers to several tens of micron
  • Hardnesses ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 HV

PVD coatings can be applied on a diverse range of surfaces: steels and other ferrous metals; non-ferrous metals; glass; plastics; rubbers/elastomers. The most common industrial applications are metal cutting and forming tools; precision, high-tolerance industrial and automotive components; medical devices and instruments, etc.

‘Decorative’ and consumer goods applications include door & plumbing hardware; kitchen appliances; firearms; shaving blades, etc. PVD technology is also used extensively for optical applications such as architectural glass and scratch-resistant plastics and glasses. PVD coatings also play an essential role in the fabrication of magnetic, semiconductor and opto-electronic devices.

HEF Group is one of the leading global providers of PVD coatings – especially Diamond-like-Carbon (DLC) coatings. HEF specializes in DLC coatings for high-volume automotive applications; precision industrial components; firearm finishes, and medical applications. Currently there are 25 HEF coatings centers around the globe that offer PVD & DLC coatings using HEF designed and manufactured equipment that uses proprietary technology to ensure high deposition rates while maintaining low deposition temperatures, uniform and precise coating thickness, and excellent coating adhesion.