Sputtering of metals: methods, technology, equipment

In building and manufacturing spheres, high-strength plastics are increasingly used. They are superior to traditional hard materials due to their small mass, ductility and practicality. And yet metal is preserved in many industries as the most profitable material in terms of combining strength, rigidity and durability. At the same time, the use of an integral structure does not always justify itself. Increasingly, technologists use metal sputtering, which makes it possible to give the workpiece a part of the properties of the alloy most suitable in terms of operation.

General information about metallization technologies

Among modern methods of metallization of surfaces, galvanic deposition and immersion in melts are often used. Traditional technology also provides for vacuum spraying, which has its classifications depending on the active media used. Either way, any metal sputtering involves the processing of the substrate material in order to obtain certain protective qualities. It can be the formation of an anticorrosive layer, the restoration of a lost structure or the repair of operational wear.

In this case, the working surface itself is in most cases subjected to heat treatment. Before the application of metallic particles, it is melted by burners, inductors or by the action of low-temperature plasma. Thus, a base is prepared with optimal physicochemical properties, on which metal sputtering in the form of a powder is subsequently carried out. It is important to note that the same material can be the same metal, glass, plastics or some wood and stone.

Method of chemical chromium plating

As an active component for the implementation of such spraying, chemical reagents are used. The classical composition includes chromium chloride, sodium, acetic acid, as well as water with sodium hydroxide solution. The deposition process is performed at a temperature of the order of 80 ° C. Work begins with the preparation of the material. Usually, chromium is used to treat metal surfaces, in particular steel. Before the operation, the material undergoes primary coating with a copper layer. Further, chemical chromium is produced by means of a sandblaster connected to a compressor unit. After the completion of the procedure, the product is washed in clean water and dried.

Gas flame treatment method

If the previous technology provides for a thorough preparation of the substrate to be coated, then in this case special attention is paid to the metallization particles. Modern gas-flame spraying can be carried out with the help of polymer powder, wire or cord material. This mass is sent to the flame of an oxygen-propane or acetylene-oxygen burner in which melting and transfer to the sprayed substrate by compressed air takes place. Further, the composition cools down, forming a ready-to-use coating.

With the help of this technique, it is possible to endow materials with anti-corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Active material can be processed aluminum, nickel, zinc, iron and copper alloys. In particular, gas-flame spraying is used to improve the performance of sliding bearings, insulation coatings, electrical parts, etc. In addition, the technology is used in interior and architectural design to ensure the design of decorative properties.

Vacuum deposition method

In this case we are talking about a group of methods that involve the formation of thin films in a vacuum under the action of direct condensation of steam. The technology is realized in different ways, including due to thermal impact, evaporation by electronic and laser beams. Vacuum spraying is used to improve the technical qualities of parts, equipment and tools. For example, this treatment allows the formation of special "working" coatings that can increase electrical conductivity, insulating properties, wear resistance and corrosion protection.

The technology is also used to create decorative coatings. In this case, the technique can be used in operations that require high accuracy. For example, vacuum spraying is used in the manufacture of watches with a gold-plated coating, to give an aesthetic appearance to frames for glasses, etc.

Applied equipment

Most often for the spraying apparatuses equipped with a supersonic nozzle are used. Also used is a small electric heater, which operates on the supply of compressed air. A feature of the latest model is the possibility of bringing the temperature to 600 ° C. Until recently, the use of standard devices, reminiscent of the principle of the action of pneumatic guns, was complicated by the fact that the particles worn tool attachments. Modern equipment, thanks to which the metal is sprayed, uses the principle of the atomizer. This means that when the working gas medium passes through the jet supply channel, the flow rate increases as the tube contracts. At the same time, static pressure also drops. This principle of operation reduces wear and tear and increases the working time of the machines.

Conclusion

In order to reduce the cost of technological operations to protect metal from external influences, highly specialized but less effective means are often used. At the same time, metal sputtering, whose price averages 8-10 thousand rubles, helps to save money. For the detail. Financial feasibility is due to the fact that such coatings can provide several functional qualities. For example, by processing the metal component of the roofing structure, you can get such properties as anti-corrosion, resistance to precipitation, mechanical security. There are also special metallized coatings that can protect the part from aggressive chemical and thermal influences.