PVD Vs CVD: Which One Is Better?

Both Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and both are very well known film coating methods. In this article, you will learn about the different aspects of PVD coating and CVD processes as they work, advantages, disadvantages and many others.

CVD Coating

CVD stands for Chemical Vapor Evaporation, which is a thin film coating process. During the CVD process, one or more volatile precursors are introduced into the reaction chamber along with the substrate. The precursors react or break down on the surface of the seed to form a coating layer. Waste gas escapes from the reaction chamber through diffusion. Because of the actual chemical reaction that occurs on the substrate surface, this process is called Chemical Vapor Deposition.

PVD Coating

Meanwhile, Physical Vapor Deposition(PVD) is – without surprise, given its name – deposition by physical rather than chemical means. One of the most popular physical methods, which Deep Coat uses when cleaning plastic, is evaporation. The process involves heating the depositing metals until they become a gas, then introducing them into a heated chamber where they form a metal layer that can reduce EMI.

Difference Between PVD Vs CVD Coating

There are many differences between the PVD vs CVD coating processes, such as their operation method, operating temperature, the nature of the coating material, coating area, film thickness, coating softness, application and so on.

1- Working Principle

CVD is a chemical process, and cannot use many reactants (products). Therefore, it also prevents a lot of jewelry and watches. Although PVD is a physical process, no chemical reaction takes place in it, making it suitable for all types of jewelry and watches, even if it is made from recycled materials. Behavior.

Also read about, PVD Coating For Architectural Hardware

2- Coating Substance Nature

In CVD, only coatings can be used, which are flexible at room temperature. Therefore, the masking tape is limited. For example, gold cannot be used as a coating for a metal watch cover. Whereas with PVD, the coating is strong, which allows us to use a variety of materials. Therefore, PVD is suitable for metal coating in watches with many different substrates, such as gold, titanium, graphite, etc.

3- Temperature

In CVD, the product (product) temperature reaches 800 ° C – 1051.6 ° C (1472 ° F – 1925 ° F), which is higher than the temperature of steel. Although most metals and watches are made from materials that have a low melting point and cannot withstand these high temperatures. But with PVD, the average temperature is 70°C – 398.8°C (158°F – 750°F), which is good for almost everything, even plastic.

4- Cost

In short, PVD is more expensive than CVD. So, manufacturers often use PVD coating on some high-end products for decorative purposes, such as designer watches, jewelry, etc. 

5- Application

PVD technology is widely used in the manufacture of jewelry, door and window accessories, kitchen and bathroom accessories, lamps, water supplies, art and other decorative products. Although CVD applications are mechanical equipment, medical equipment and equipment. Besides being added as a coating, CVD can also be used to create man-made diamonds. CVD diamonds are very common in the market today.

How To Choose The Right Coating?

When you understand the difference between the 2 covers, you can learn how to choose the right one for your needs based on the following factors. Below, we have given some best advice.

Choice The Right Coating On the Based On Substrate Material

In PVD, there is no chemical reaction, and most of the time the substrate (product) does not burn in this process. Therefore, almost all types of materials (products) can be coated with this method, even plastic. In contrast, in the CVD process, the substrate (product) is heated to 800 ° C – 1051.6 ° C (1472 ° F – 1925 ° F), which most of the products cannot withstand. Therefore, many soluble substances cannot be covered. Additionally, CVD is a chemical process, so many reactants (products) cannot be coated with this process. In general, PVD has advantages over CVD in a wide variety of substrates.

Choice The Right Coating On the Based On Smoothness of Coated Surface

Choose the PVD process if you want a perfect finish with a smooth finish on your substrate (product). But if you want a good finish for the substrate (product), CVD is best. The level of smoothness in both processes can be controlled by controlling different factors, but CVD coatings are generally worse than PVD ones.

Choice The Right Coating On the Based On Coating Materials

In the PVD process, the coating is hard, so different materials can be used as coating. In addition, PVD material is non-toxic and completely safe to use. In the CVD process, the coating will be flexible, so only a small amount of material can be used as a coating. In addition, these flexible coatings are toxic, explosive or corrosive and are not safe to handle. These coatings can also produce hazardous products during chemical reactions, which are not easily removed.

In general, the CVD process has a small coating and is not good. In contrast, the PVD process has a large number of coatings and is convenient to use.

Conclusion

Whether through CVD or through PVD, the end result is the same as both produce very important materials depending on the size required. CVD and PVD are broad processes with many sub-species. The actual process may be different, but the goal is the same. Some methods may be better suited to some applications than others due to cost, simplicity, and many other factors; That is why they are chosen in this section. 

SurfTech INC in the United States, is one of the world’s leading PVD coating companies for PVD coating, thin film coating, and ceramic coating. Whether it’s a practical accessory and custom solution or a way to decorate and upgrade your PVD coating, contact us at 440-275-3356 to see how SurfTech can meet your needs today!

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