MVS decorative PVD films are routinely used as a replacement for electroplated chrome. They can be applied directly over almost any substrate material. Our PVD process takes place in a highly controlled vacuum environment, delivering part-to-part color replication that is unachievable with processes such as electroplating.
Decorative PVD films are generally metallic compounds, and inorganic ceramic compounds which have good corrosion resistance [Along with an ASTM Service Condition 2 of chrome plating, PVD will yield > 1,000 Hours in neutral salt (B-117) and 96 Hours in CASS]. This process is surprisingly affordable, and is environmentally friendly, with no hazardous by-products
PVD coatings can be deposited in a wide range of colors. Typical metals used as target material in decorative PVD processes are naval brass, bronze, aluminum, zirconium, titanium, chromium, titanium-aluminum alloys and niobium. The range of colors can be further enhanced by introducing reactive gases into the chamber during the deposition process. The most widely used reactive gases for decorative coatings are nitrogen, methane, or acetylene. They produce metal-nitride, metal-carbide and metal-carbon-nitride films. Oxygen can also be used to produce oxides, oxynitrides, etc. The decorative coatings are produced in a certain color range, depending on the metal-to-gas ratio in the coating and the structure of the coating. Both of these factors can be altered by changing the deposition parameters. Process Control The process parameters to deposit each color are stored in software recipes with various different process steps. Prior to deposition, the parts are cleaned so the surface is free of dust or chemical impurities. Once the coating process has started, all the relevant process parameters are continuously monitored and controlled by an automatic computer control system.
Plastics: Because they are so versatile, plastics can be found in virtually every consumer product. As flexible as plastics are, they can be further enhanced with the appropriate surface coating. MVS offers a coating solution for every plastic application, whether it requires a stand-alone machine or a complete system with all the options such as paint supplies, mixing units, pretreatments, cure ovens, etc
We can help you achieve the finish you want, in various colors, from matte to bright reflective finishes, with UV hard-coating. Mustang’s PVD coating equipment provide an excellent eco-friendly alternative to electroplating, with outstanding results.
