Preparation
The stainless steel is cleaned to remove any contaminants. This step is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the coating.
Loading
The stainless steel is placed in a vacuum chamber, where the PVD process will take place. The chamber is sealed to create controlled environment.
Pumping and Evacuation
The chamber is evacuated to create a vacuum environment, typically at pressures ranging from a few millibars to ultra-high vacuum levels. This step removes air and other gases from the chamber, reducing the chance of contamination.
Heating
In some cases, the stainless steel may be heated prior to coating to improve adhesion or to promote chemical reactions. The temperature and duration of heating are specific to the stainless steel.
Deposition of Coating Material
The PVD process begins by introducing the coating material into the chamber. The material is typically in the form of a solid metal or alloy, known as the target/source material. Several methods can be used to introduce the material. Are evaporation involves creating an electric are between the target material and an electrode. The are vaporizes the target material, and the resulting vapor condenses onto the stainless steel.
Film Formation
The vaporized coating material condenses onto the substrate, forming a thin film. As the vapor atoms or molecules come into contact with the stainless steel, they lose energy and bond together to create the coating layer. The thickness and properties of the film can be controlled by adjusting piamentemperatuch and gasdepoposition in the chamber.
Cooling and Venting
Onechicha, dheireanbatingll thickneled to stabilize the coating. After cooling, the chamber is vented, and the coated stainless steel is removed.