Magnetron Sputtering
Material is transferred from a target to the strip in a controlled vacuum process.
DECORATIVE COATINGS
Decorative PVD-Coated Stainless Steel
A vacuum-deposited coating adds metallic colour to stainless steel while retaining the selected base-surface appearance. Specify the substrate, colour sample and subsequent forming requirements together.
Reference Technical Parameters
- Substrate
- Stainless steel
- Material series
- 200, 300 and 400 series
- Substrate thickness
- 0.1–0.8 mm
- Strip width
- ≤1250 mm
- Base surfaces
- 2B, BA, 8K, super mirror, No.4 and H/L
Typical Components
- Appliance panels and trim
- Interior decorative components
- Automotive decorative trim
Include the exact grade, base finish, treated face, colour reference and intended bending or stamping. Agree the finished appearance using a physical sample.
Decorative Coating Colour and Reference Tests
CIELAB coordinates describe the colour range of the decorative coating reference. Select relevant tests and agree the sample, method and acceptance criteria for your order.
CIELAB Colour Coordinates
- L*
- 40–60
- a*
- −10 to +20
- b*
- −20 to +30
| Test | Conditions | Reference result |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-cut adhesion | Cross-cut test | Class 0; no coating detachment |
| Pencil hardness | Pencil test | 6H |
| Bending | T-bend test | ≤6T |
| Abrasion | 40 cycles | No visible marking |
| Alcohol rub | 500 cycles | No visible marking |
| MEK rub | 300 cycles | No visible marking |
| Heat ageing | 180°C for 3 hours | ΔE* ≤1.5; no coating detachment |
| Heat ageing | 90°C for 500 hours | ΔE* ≤1.5; no coating detachment |
| Hot-water exposure | 90°C for 2 hours | ΔE* ≤5.0; no coating detachment |
| Constant temperature and humidity | 50°C, 95% relative humidity, 336 hours | ΔE* ≤5.0; no coating detachment |
| Continuous neutral salt spray | 480 hours; no diagonal scribe | ΔE* ≤2.5; no coating detachment or rust |
| Chemical resistance | 10% acetic acid, 10% sulfuric acid or 5% sodium hydroxide; immersion at 50°C for 24 hours | Class 0; no coating detachment |
FUNCTIONAL COATINGS
Solar-Selective Absorber Coatings
A selective blue coating on copper or aluminium strip absorbs solar energy while limiting thermal emission. Substrate choice and coating performance are specified for the intended solar-thermal component.
Reference Technical Parameters
- Copper substrate thickness
- 0.12–1.0 mm
- Aluminium substrate thickness
- 0.3–1.0 mm
- Strip width
- ≤1250 mm for both substrates
- Solar absorptance
- 95% ± 2%
- Thermal emittance
- 5% ± 2%
- Delivery form
- Coils with plastic interleaf covering
Typical Components
- Solar-thermal absorber components
- Solar hot-water collector components
Specify the substrate, dimensions, absorber design, operating conditions and required optical test method. Include joining and any further forming after coating.
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FUNCTIONAL COATINGS
High-Reflective Aluminium and Silver Coatings
Aluminium-mirror and silver-mirror coating systems provide different reference reflectance levels. Define the substrate and the required optical response for the finished reflector or component.
Reference Technical Parameters
- Aluminium-mirror reflectance
- 95% ± 1%
- Silver-mirror reflectance
- 98% ± 1%
- Substrate thickness
- 0.3–1.0 mm for both coating systems
- Strip width
- ≤1250 mm for both coating systems
- Substrate material
- Specify in the enquiry
- Delivery form
- Coils with plastic interleaf covering
Typical Components
- Lighting reflectors
- Formed reflective components
Include the substrate, coating system, wavelength range, reflectance measurement method and forming requirements. Specify whether acceptance applies before or after fabrication.
PROCESSING
Roll-to-Roll Vacuum Coating Process
Metal strip passes through controlled vacuum sections before returning to coil form. The deposition technology and coating sequence depend on the selected coating system.
Uncoiling
The strip is unwound and fed into the coating line.
Vacuum Entry Lock
The strip enters the vacuum environment through a controlled lock section.
Plasma Surface Preparation
Plasma treatment prepares the substrate surface before deposition.
Vacuum Deposition
The selected coating is deposited using the specified vacuum-coating technology.
Vacuum Exit Lock
The coated strip passes from the vacuum sections back to atmospheric conditions.
Recoiling
The coated strip is rewound for the specified protection and delivery arrangement.
Vacuum Deposition Technologies
The required film system determines which deposition technology is used.
Electron-Beam Evaporation
An electron beam evaporates the coating material for deposition onto the substrate.
Optical measurement, strip transport, vacuum pumping, process-gas supply and line controls support the coating operation. Specify the measurements and records required for your order.
Decorative PVD Finishing and Packing
Stainless steel substrate
Protective-film removal
PVD colour coating
Protective-film application
Inspection and packaging
Optional Topcoat and Surface Protection
An anti-fingerprint topcoat is a separate finishing requirement after decorative PVD coating. Removable protective film and coil interleaf covering are specified separately from the deposited coating.
PURCHASING DETAILS
Requirements for Your Coating
Send a drawing, sample reference or written specification alongside the following information.
- Substrate and Dimensions
- Material, grade, thickness, width and quantity; include coil dimensions and treated faces where applicable.
- Appearance and Function
- Base finish, colour sample, gloss or optical response. State the wavelength range and measurement method for functional coatings.
- Further Processing
- Bending, stamping, cutting, joining and any later heat exposure. Identify the surfaces that remain visible after fabrication.
- Inspection and Acceptance
- Required test methods, sample approval, colour tolerance and whether measurements apply before or after fabrication.
- Protection and Delivery
- Topcoat, removable film, coil interleaf covering, packing arrangement and delivery destination.
PVD Options for Stainless Steel Products
Decorative PVD can be included in a coil or sheet enquiry. Select the product form and provide the coating requirements alongside your material specification.
COATING QUESTIONS
PVD Coating Q&A
How do I choose between decorative PVD and a functional coating?
Start with the finished component. Decorative PVD is specified by substrate, base finish, colour and appearance. Solar-absorber and high-reflective coatings also require optical performance and test conditions to be defined.
Do the reflectance percentages represent guaranteed minimum values?
The reference table gives 95% ± 1% for the aluminium-mirror system and 98% ± 1% for the silver-mirror system. Include your required minimum, wavelength range and test method so the acceptance criteria can be agreed for the order.
Can coated material be formed after delivery?
Share the intended bending, stamping, cutting or joining operations and a drawing where available. We review the substrate and coating with those processing needs, using the finished appearance and relevant tests for sample approval.
Are an anti-fingerprint topcoat and protective film included automatically?
Specify these separately. The deposited coating provides the selected surface treatment; an anti-fingerprint topcoat remains on the finished surface, while removable film and coil interleaf covering serve handling and protection requirements.
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