What are PVD coatings?

PVD stands for “Physical Vapor Deposition.” This is a high-tech coating process in which extremely thin functional layers are applied in a vacuum. Ion bombardment creates a coating at the atomic level that is particularly adhesive, uniform and functional.

This allows specific properties to be improved, such as wear resistance, friction behavior, conductivity or surfaces for optics. PVD coatings are environmentally friendly, solvent-free and enable material combinations that would not be possible using conventional methods.

Reflection and absorption layers

Challenge: Loss of precision and stability

In many optical applications, low reflection rates, unwanted light transmission, oxidation, or degradation lead to performance losses and a shortened service life. Stable and precise surfaces are essential, especially in demanding systems such as telescopes, lasers, or measuring devices.

Our solution: High-performance PVD coatings

Using physical vapor deposition (PVD), we apply gold or silver layers as well as complex multilayer and dielectric systems to a wide variety of components. These layers offer:

• Defined reflection and absorption properties
• Protection against oxidation and corrosion
• High durability in applications such as telescopes or laser systems

Antibacterial PVD coatings

Challenge: Hygiene, safety, and material compatibility

In sensitive areas of application such as medicine, sensor technology, or measuring devices, bacterial colonization can lead to contamination, functional limitations, or reduced durability. At the same time, the materials used must be biocompatible.

Our solution: Protection through antimicrobial coatings

With targeted PVD coatings based on nickel, silver, copper, or titanium, we offer effective solutions for reducing bacterial contamination. Our coatings improve:

• Antibacterial effect on relevant contact surfaces

• Biocompatibility and material compatibility

• Surface wettability and cleanability

For the highest standards of hygiene and precision

Our antibacterial PVD coatings are used in medical devices, sensitive sensor systems, and safety-critical applications. They ensure increased operational safety and support compliance with hygiene standards.

Catalytically active PVD coatings 

Challenge: Reactivity and material efficiency

In many industrial and scientific applications, chemical reactions must be specifically influenced, controlled, or accelerated. High purity requirements, complex geometries, and expensive materials pose additional challenges for coating technology.

Our solution: Catalytic layers made of precious and special metals

With high-purity PVD coatings made of precious metals from the platinum group or rare earths, we enable precise catalytic functionalities, even on components with challenging geometries. Our catalytic layers offer:

• High activation of chemical reactions
• Use of ultra-thin multilayers with maximum material efficiency
• Corrosion resistance

For highly specialized processes and markets

These PVD coatings are used in semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, the chemical industry, and aerospace, among other areas. They meet the highest requirements for purity, functionality, and resource efficiency.

Tribological PVD coatings

Challenge: Friction, wear, and failure risks

Mechanical components are often subjected to high loads due to friction, adhesive and abrasive wear, temperature peaks, or lubricant failure. All of this leads to loss of function, increased maintenance costs, or shorter service life. Particularly critical: stick-slip effects, hydrodynamic instability, or loss of lubrication.

Our solution: High-performance PVD coatings for tribological systems

We replace conventional bearing solutions with lead-free PVD direct coatings for bearings and complex geometries. Our tribological coatings offer:

• Reduction of friction and wear
• High power density with minimal installation space
• Emergency running properties in the event of lubricant failure

Designed for extreme conditions

PVD coatings are designed for applications involving high temperatures, dynamic loads, and complex assemblies such as gears, bearings, and gear wheels. This makes them ideal for automotive, aerospace, energy technology and defense technology applications.

PVD coatings for defined resistance and conductivity properties

Challenge: Uncontrolled resistance and instability

In high-precision systems, undefined resistance values or insufficient service life can quickly lead to malfunctions, efficiency losses, or overheating. Reliable electrical properties are crucial, especially in sensor technology, medical technology and power electronics.

Our solution: PVD coatings with specifically adjusted conductive properties

We achieve precisely defined resistance values with PVD-based functional coatings based on alloys containing Ni, Cr, or Cu as well as oxides or nitrides. They remain stable even under dynamic loads. Our coatings offer

• Precise adjustment of electrical resistance 
• High pulse and temperature stability 
• Ideal for thin-film resistors and power applications

For applications requiring precision under power

Whether in sensors, power resistors, or semiconductor technology, our PVD coatings meet the highest requirements for conductivity, long-term stability, and miniaturization in challenging industries such as automotive, aerospace, sensor technology, and medicine.

Interconnect layers & solder resist coatings

Challenge: Inaccurate solder joints and poor wetting

Precise solderability is crucial in electronic assemblies. If the solder runs uncontrollably or lacks wettability, there is a risk of malfunctions, short circuits, or unreliable connections. Standard solutions also reach their limits when sintering silver or copper.

Our solution: Controlled interfaces through PVD coating

Our PVD coatings based on copper, silver, nickel, and solder resist layers made of SiO₂ or AlO₂ ensure reliable and defined solder joints. They offer:

• Stable wetting and controlled flow behavior of the solder
• Compatibility with common solders (e.g., SnSb) and sintering processes
• Precise interface properties for highly stressed contact points

For electronics with controlled connection

Whether in power electronics, sensor technology, or measuring devices, our bonding layers ensure reproducible soldering processes, reduce scrap, and optimize the electrical and thermal connection of your components.

PVD coating for fuel cells and electrolysis

Challenge: Corrosion, loss of performance, and material limitations

Fuel cell and electrolysis systems operate under extreme conditions. High temperatures, aggressive media, and sensitive membranes often lead to corrosion, loss of conductivity, or membrane poisoning. The choice of suitable materials is also often limited.

Our solution: Functional coatings for critical environments

We optimize the function and service life of electrochemical systems with precise PVD coatings based on CroFer, graphite, gold, platinum, oxides, nitrites, and rare earths (e.g., CuNiO, La, Y, Zr, cerium). Our solutions offer:

• Corrosion resistance at high temperatures
• High electrical conductivity even during long-term operation
• Protection of sensitive membranes from harmful interaction

For sustainable energy systems

Our PVD coatings are ideal for applications in SOFC, PEMFC, or SOEC systems, such as on bipolar plates or as a contact layer. Developed for maximum efficiency, stability, and service life in continuous industrial operation..