Questions and answers, processing and characteristics of PVD coatings
(continuously updated)
Here you will find questions and answers on PVD treatments among those addressed to us by people interested in coatings on materials with high anti-wear, anti-corrosion performance and high physical and mechanical characteristics.
If your curiosity or specific information is not included in these, please contact us by filling out the form and we will reply you privately in 24/48 h and, if the question is of general interest, we will add it with a reply on this page.
Taps
Can objects of different materials be covered at the same time?
PVD processes require different materials to be coated separately. It is essential to identify and distinguish the various types of substrate before putting them into production.
Can the thickness of PVD coatings create assembly problems?
The thickness of the decorative coatings is in the order of a few tenths of a micron, from 0.3 to 0.7µm.
Therefore, given the traditional tolerances for PVD-coated elements in the taps and fittings sector, there should be no problems with assembly.
Is it possible to coat any kind of material?
With our technology you can coat all materials as long as they are conductive, keeping in mind certain types that need some considerations. Some metals must be prepared before with a galvanic finish before PVD coating.
Fashion and Jewelry
Is it necessary to apply a transparent post-coating paint?
It is not necessary to apply any paint after the coating. Our metal coatings do not undergo oxidation and have no releases such as to have to be protected with an additional layer.
How is managed the packaging of the material?
We use the same identical packaging received from the customer, so as to respect the procedures that it has consiedered suitable for handling its articles.
Do the black and blue colours always have the same color?
The finishes that we propose in our catalog are stable and repeatable over time, although in some cases slight differences in tone may occur for particular products, which must be evaluated according to the type of project.
Handles
How should iron objects be prepared?
Iron, like brass, must be treated prior to PVD colours with a quality galvanic preparation.
Can zamak items be coated?
In theory, yes, but zamak has some critical issues that need to be evaluated from time to time.
Mounted details can be coated with PVD?
The parts assembled before the PVD coating cannot be processed with our technology. For a successful treatment, the items must be single and assembled only after our processing.
Boating
How is it possible to take a better care of PVD coated objects installed on boats?
It is good practice to wash the most exposed objects with freshwater as soon as possible and in any case evaluating the frequency based on the time of use.
What types of stainless steel can be coated with PVD?
The steels most commonly used in the nautical sector for PVD coating are AISI304 and AISI316 with the preference for the latter.
Eyewear
Can acetate glasses be coated?
Our PVD technology does not allow the coating of acetate objects. An alternative solution soulhd be metallization.
Is it possible to manage the processing of a complete frame made up of elements in different materials?
For the success of the final product it’s preferable not to proceed work on elements in different materials at the same time.
Is it possible to replicate any type of color that can be obtained with traditional painting?
Despite having a wide range of colors available, our PVD technology does not allow to get all the colors available in the paint, such as red or green.
Cutelry
Can PVD coated cutlery be washed in the dishwasher?
Yes, they can be washed in the dishwasher having some precautions, such as not leaving food residues on cutlery for too long. If there is the possibility it is suggested to prefer hand washing.
Can cutlery with colored handles be coated?
Yes, it is possible to coat PVD cutlery of this kind, by proceed with the assembly of the handle only after having coated the metal part.
Watches
Can PVD coating be both glossy or matt?
Yes. It depends on the initial surface conditions, as provided by the customer. If the surface is glossy and it’s chosen the PVD black colours, the result will be glossy black, on the contrary if the surface is opaque you will have a matt black result.
Is PVD coating reversible? Can I return the watch to the initial aspect?
Our coatings are reversible and we have available the appropriate solutions for the eventual coating removal without going to affect the shape of the components by removing the metal that composes them.
How should the watch be supplied for PVD coating?
The watch must have been supplied completely disassembled. If you decide to proceed with the finishing, will be indicated the best solutions to prepare it correctly by explaining carefully each single step.
Functional
At high coating temperatures is there a risk of reducing the surface hardness previously obtained with appropriate heat treatments?
Yes, and that is why we recommend to communicate us the temperature of recovery: in this way we can propose the correct solution without affecting what was previously done.
Does pretreatment surface roughness affect the final result?
The surface roughness of the substrate has a direct role both in the success of the coating and in operation: the lower it is, the better the performance of the coated object will be. In this regard we can also provide targeted solutions for surface preparation.
What are the process temperatures of functional PVD coatings?
Typical process temperatures are between 250 ° C and 450 ° C. In some cases coatings can be deposited at different temperatures, depending on the characteristics of the substrate and the performance required in operation.
Screws
Can the thickness of the coating on the screw thread create problems during assembly?
No, the thickness of the PVD coatings does not create interferences that could impede the screw insertion. For example, we cover watchmaking components that have very tight tolerances and there are no critical mounting issues.
Can the use of tools such as screwdrivers and wrenches of various kinds affect the coating on the screw?
The resistance of PVD coatings is higher than traditional surface finishing methods and therefore, under the same conditions of use, any tool’s marks will be reduced.
Does the PVD coating for the furniture industry alter the appearance of the starting surface of the screws?
No, the PVD coating maintains the initial appearance of the screw provided by the customer. If the surface is glossy it will remain glossy even after the PVD treatment, while if it is opaque it will remain opaque.
Experience and cutting-edge technology for PVD colours on various objects, contact us for more information about our services and our company, we will reply within 24 hours with the solution that suits your needs.
