| Precision engineered components and tooling are | | | | Conventional processes such as electroplating and |
| designed to perform under strenuous operating | | | | physical vapor deposition (PVD) are often used to |
| conditions with speed, precision, and reliability. Over | | | | deposit metallic (Chromium or Nickel) or other |
| time, however, tiny imperfections and defects in the | | | | hard-coatings (TiN, CrN). But these conventional |
| tooling's surfaces can develop and will begin to cause | | | | processes both require pre-coating and post-coating |
| decreases in operating performance. These defects | | | | treatments that add complexity and cost to the |
| are the result of abrasive wear of the surface caused | | | | process. Additionally, these conventional coating and |
| by friction, contact with corrosive materials, and many | | | | plating processes operate at elevated temperatures |
| other operating conditions. | | | | that can distort dimensions and bulk properties of the |
| Cleaning, buffing and polishing are simple steps that | | | | components being coated. |
| can be taken to remove the corrosive particles and | | | | Ion Beam Enhanced Deposition is a PVD and chrome |
| re-finish the surface. However, the manufacturing | | | | plating alternative process that is entirely physical in |
| operations must be shut down every time the tooling | | | | nature, rather than chemical or thermal. The IBED |
| needs to be polished, which can result in huge losses in | | | | process does not require pre-coating treatments or |
| productivity. Additionally, repeated use of polishing and | | | | post-coating grinding or polishing. IBED coatings are |
| buffing chemicals can strip away layers of the surface, | | | | applied at temperatures that do not exceed 200 |
| altering the precision dimensions necessary for optimal | | | | degrees Fahrenheit, and no toxic chemicals are used |
| performance. | | | | or wastes produced. The end result is a high |
| A more effective long term solution is the application | | | | performance coating that maximizes tooling |
| of coatings to maintain and/or enhance operating | | | | performance without compromising the original |
| performance. Precision coatings are able to increase | | | | precision dimensions, surface finishes, or bulk material |
| tools' resistance to abrasive wear and maintain the | | | | properties. |
| original surface integrity. | | | | |