FAQs

What materials can be PVD coated?

The easiest materials without preparation are stainless steel, titanium alloys and graphite but steel, brass, pvc, ceramic and glass plus many other materials are fine as long as they can be thoroughly plated with nickel/chromium first as a preparation coat.

What surfaces can be coated?

A pvd coating is extremely hardwearing but it does not level like an electroplated finish because it is a thinner but tougher finish. So any imperfections showing before coating will be seen after coating. So if a mirror finish is required then the item should be mirror finish prior to coating, if a satin, matt or brushed finish is required then the item to be coated needs to be that finish before coating.

Is PVD coating worth it?

Definitely Yes, PVD finishes are a super-hard coating which are far more durable and hardwearing than any corresponding electroplated or traditional finish.

What is a typical coating thickness?

A PVD coating thickness is usually between 0.25 microns and 5 microns when used as a decorative finish.

Electroplating or PVD finish?

The Traditional electroplating process has health and safety and green issues associated with it. Physical vapour deposition as a technology is the obvious choice for many reason.

PVD is a lot harder wearing.
More resistant to abrasives.
Better anti-fiction and lubrication properties.
Safer without any dangerous chemicals
Greener to the planet.

What temperature is the coated part exposed to?

This all depends on the substrate material being coated, stainless steel, brass, steel, ceramic or plastic etc. The coating process temperature can be controlled between 50 to 200 degree C.

How good is the anti-corrosion protection?

This depends on the type of metal coating and the item material it is coating.
Overall PVD coatings have a very high resistance to corrosion due to their good adhesion and chemical bonding structure.
The main features of coatings are good resistance to

Solvents, acid, and decalcifiers.
Good resistance to salt spray tests
Good colour stability to light and chemicals including the marine environment which is well known for its harsh conditions
Good at maintaining its chemical characteristics over time.

What Decorative finishes are available?

Much depends on the evaporated target metal and (if used) the mixture of reactive gases used during the PVD deposition process. But many different colours can be produced including light and dark gold, rose gold, nickel, chrome, black chrome, copper, brass and bronze finishes plus black and coloured finishes. All these finishes are available in a mirror polished, satin, matt and contemporary brushed finishes. We are also researching in-house on to new and interesting finishes for the future.

How do I clean my PVD?

Though a PVD coating is very hardwearing, especially when compared to electroplated chrome, gold, nickel and lacquer finishes, maintenance is simple. You should use a soft cloth with mild soap and water and avoid all caustic products designed to remove tarnish or rust, and contain hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and/or phosphoric acid or caustic agents. Also bleach and scouring pads.

How hard is the coating?

Depending on the base target metal used in the PVD process but generally a lot harder than electroplated, powder coated, painted and lacquer finishes.

What is the largest item you can PVD?

Our systems is capable to coat an item
Diameter = 900 mm.
Height = 1800 mm.

Can you coat over ABS plastic?

Yes, as long as the ABS plastic is properly chrome plated!

How long does it take?

We try to offer a high quality service within an expected timescale, but to avoid disappointment and broken promises we will confirm delivery at the time of order due to fluctuations in workloads.