What is Physical Vapour Deposition?
If you’ve looked into the many architectural hardware finishes available, you’ve probably come across Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD). This short article explains the manufacturing process, as well as some of the pros and cons of a PVD finish.
Definition
Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is the process of depositing a thin film of material on a substrate material, for example a door handle. The process involves the evaporation of a solid metal into a vapour state, which is then deposited onto the product surface in a controlled environment. This usually takes place in a vacuum chamber, where the metal is heated to a high temperature until it evaporates, and is then deposited onto the product to form the finish.
Pros
In terms of metal finishes, PVD is often used to achieve high-quality, durable, and corrosion-resistant coatings. The process can be used to deposit a range of different metals, including titanium, chromium and zirconium. The deposited metal forms a dense, uniform, and durable coating which provides improved wear resistance, high reflectivity, and enhanced hardness compared to other surface finishes.
When specifying architectural hardware, some people opt for a PVD finish as its less likely to wear and patinate than a living finish, such as brass. This makes PVD finished products much better suited to areas with a high moisture level, such as bathrooms, or external doors.
Cons
The downside to PVD is that the coating forms a finish with only one tone, which can look flat and dull in comparison with a living finish. Some people may prefer the look of patinated brass and feel the permanent nature of PVD detracts from its character.
We hope you found this overview of PVD helpful. As manufacturers of living and plated finishes, we’re fascinated by the potential of PVD and look forward to seeing further innovations in the hardware industry in the future!