When it comes to coating tools, arc evaporation is generally a more efficient method than magnetron sputtering. A threaded hole in the arc cathode usually fixes the coating material in the coating system. Ceramic and brittle composite materials are unsuitable for this type of mechanical machining, which they would not withstand intact. Therefore until recently tungsten carbide, for example, could only be applied to the various substrates by means of the magnetron sputtering method.
PLANSEE has now developed a new fixing system facilitating the use of ceramic and brittle composite materials as cathodes in arc evaporation. The system comprises an integrated carrier plate and a cathode ring. As the various cathode materials have different thermal expansion coefficients, molybdenum is also available as an alternative to copper as a material for the carrier plate. The cathode ring made from molybdenum or ceramic materials encloses the coating material and ensures that the arc remains on the cathode material during the coating process.
The new mounting system is suitable for arc cathodes made of tungsten-carbide, chromium-silicon, titanium-diboride and titanium-chromium, among other materials. It is particularly robust and can be reused multiple times in many cases.
PLANSEE is happy to advise you – for instance at the PSE conference in Garmisch.
International Conference on Plasma Surface Engineering (PSE) 10 – 14 September 2012 Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
As the leading powder metallurgy manufacturer, PLANSEE supplies sputtering targets and cathodes made of a wide range of metals and composite materials such as titanium-aluminum, aluminum-chromium, chromium, titanium, zirconium, titanium-silicon, titanium-diboride and tungsten carbide. Our products are put to the test daily as hard material coatings on tools, components and decorative items.
For further information on arc cathodes, please visit www.plansee.com/hardcoatings
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