Advantages and Disadvantages of PVD Coating

PVD stands for Physical Vapor Deposition

Advantages:

•PVD coatings are sometimes harder and more corrosion resistant than coatings applied by the electroplating process. Most coatings have high temperature and good impact strength, excellent abrasion resistance and are so durable that protective topcoats are almost never necessary. 

•Ability to utilize virtually any type of inorganic and some organic coating materials on an equally diverse group of substrates and surfaces using a wide variety of finishes. 

•More environmentally friendly than traditional coating processes such as electroplating and painting. 

•More than one technique can be used to deposit a given film. 

Disadvantages：

•Specific technologies can impose constraints; for example, line-of-sight transfer is typical of most PVD coating techniques, however there are methods that allow full coverage of complex geometries. 

•Some PVD technologies typically operate at very high temperatures and vacuums, requiring special attention by operating personnel. 

•Requires a cooling water system to dissipate large heat loads.