PVD is the abbreviation for Physical Vapour Deposition. It is a process which produces a metal vapour (chromium, titanium, and titanium aluminium) that can be deposited on electrically conductive materials as a thin, highly adhered pure metal or alloy coating.

The PVD process In the PVD process, a solid metal such as titanium, is atomised into minute molecules using electricity in a vacuum chamber containing a high purity gas such as argon, nitrogen or oxygen. The metal reacts with the gas and condenses on the sheet material or component suspended in the chamber. Different gas and metal combinations create different colours.

Why use PVD coatings? • PVD coating is harder and more corrosion resistant than the coating applied by the electroplating process • PVD coatings do not tarnish or discolour. • They have reasonably high corrosion resistance and doesn't suffer UV radiation so easy. • PVD coatings are more environmentally friendly than traditional coating processes such as painting or electroplating • It gives a low friction film for protection • PVD coating can be used on various materials, including aluminium, iron, porcelain, stainless steel and some types of PVC. Stainless steel is the material most recommended for PVD coating and can result in a wide range of colours, surface patterns and finishes. Stainless steel will normally fade and oxidize over time when exposed to the environment.

• Benefits of PVD coating • Once it has been PVD coated, it: • • Will be not so prone to oxidize, tarnish or discolour in harsh sun, humid environments or salt water • Will be impervious to extended UV light exposure with no cracking, flaking or discolouration • • Applications • There is widespread use of PVD coloured stainless steel in the architectural and industrial design industry, such as for stainless steel curtain walls, cladding and profiles on buildings including casinos, hotels, shopping centres, railway stations, airports and high-end retail stores. It is also used for products including fuel injection systems, injection moulding tools and plumbing fixtures.At the smaller end of the scale, PVD coated materials can be used for anything from lighting fixtures, display cases and furniture, to handles, door furniture and taps. The PVD process can also be used on metal jewellery, achieving stunning colours.