FAQ
What is PVD?
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a vacuum deposition technology used to apply thin functional or decorative films onto various surfaces. The coating material is vaporized inside a vacuum chamber and then condensed onto the component, forming a highly adherent and hard layer.
What is the difference between PVD and traditional electroplating?
Compared to electroplated coatings, PVD provides superior adhesion, higher wear resistance, and a reduced environmental impact (no hexavalent chromium or heavy chemical baths). It is therefore a greener and more high-performance solution for many decorative and technical applications.
On which materials can PVD coatings be applied?
PVD coatings can be deposited on metals (steel, brass, aluminum, etc.), alloys, glass, some polymers, and composite materials, as long as the substrate is compatible with the process temperature and properly pre-treated.
How thick is a PVD coating?
A typical PVD layer is only a few microns thick (generally 0.5–5 μm). This is enough to enhance aesthetics and performance, and to add specific properties, without altering the dimensional tolerances of the part.
Is PVD only decorative or also functional?
Both. PVD layers can modify the color and surface appearance while also increasing hardness, scratch and wear resistance, corrosion resistance, antibacterial/antiviral properties, and tribological performance. These effects can even be combined in a single coating.
Is PVD an environmentally sustainable technology?
Yes. PVD is performed in a vacuum environment, requires no polluting chemical baths, and uses significantly fewer materials than many alternative coating technologies. It is considered one of the most eco-friendly high-performance finishing solutions.
Which colors are available with PVD?
PVD can deliver a wide range of colors—such as gold, rose gold, black, gunmetal, bronze, warm chrome, and many others—depending on the coating material and process parameters.
Which surface finish can be achieved with PVD?
Because the PVD layer is extremely thin, it perfectly replicates the substrate’s texture. The final appearance therefore depends entirely on the underlying finish (polished, satin, brushed, etc.): the coating will faithfully follow the original surface preparation.
Do PVD coatings fade or deteriorate over time?
PVD coatings maintain their color and sheen over time, even under demanding conditions. They offer far greater resistance to scratching, chemicals, and wear than many traditional finishes.
Can complex or large components be coated?
Yes. With PVD systems of different sizes and configurations, it is possible to treat both small precision parts and large components, as well as high-volume production batches—including parts for automotive, interior design, photovoltaics, and more.
Is it possible to perform tests or small pre-series?
Absolutely. The coating center and laboratory are equipped to test new finishes, validate projects, and manage pre-series before scaling up to high-volume production or investing in a dedicated PVD system.
What is the PVD Coating Center?
It is a specialized facility offering outsourced PVD coating services. The center manages all stages of the finishing process, from cleaning to coating, delivering ready-to-use solutions for industrial applications.
Which quality tests are performed on PVD coatings?
Depending on the application, tests may include adhesion tests (e.g., Scotch tape, Rockwell), corrosion resistance (salt spray), abrasion and scratch resistance, chemical resistance, accelerated aging cycles, and colorimetry.
Is it better to use the coating service or invest in an in-house PVD system?
It depends on production volumes, demand stability, and the required level of flexibility. Kenosistec can support you in evaluating an internal system or in outsourcing all or part of the coating process to its center, including hybrid solutions.
How can I request a quote or technical consultancy?
You can fill out the form in the Contact section of the website or write directly to the provided email address. A technical sales specialist will get in touch to analyze your application and prepare a tailored proposal.