Safety and Vacuum Sputtering Systems

Guest post is provided by Denton Vacuum, LLC, distributor of the Sputter Deposition system and associated vacuum technology. Visit their website for more product information.

Many different materials can be used via vacuum metallization. Vacuum systems allow metals and other materials to be melted down at extremely high temperatures and condense on a target surface within the system. These systems are highly sensitive and require expert technicians for operation. For example, simply touching the system with bare hands can cause contamination due to oils in the skin. Proper cleaning requires expert care with gloves and a special solution. A certified technician is the best person to operate vacuum sputtering systems. Vacuum systems are heated to extremely high levels, so high that it reaches the plasma state of matter found in our sun. This is why it is extremely important to use a qualified technician to operate vacuum sputtering technology.

If a vacuum remains uncontaminated, it serves as an air tight seal for sputtering technology to occur. Sputtering allows material to condense on surfaces so durably; it can be compared to the hardness of a diamond. Chipping and scratching of delicate surfaces such as microscope lenses, or high impact, high heat factory equipment is prevented by coating with this technology. The results of thin film coating with vacuum technology end with a layer only microns thick. Any added bulk that would have been added by a spray coating, is now prevented with a sputtering system. Sputtering systems can be applied to a variety of industries including optics, automotive, and conductor manufacturing. Any industry requiring high heat, high pressure, high impact or highly abrasive environments may benefit from a sputtering system.