Welcome to OEM Jewelry Manufacturer Shenzhen YIBI Jewelry Co., Ltd.
As a core surface treatment technology for high-end products, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) forms functional and decorative coatings under vacuum conditions. Widely applied in jewelry and metal hardware for leather goods, PVD offers superior aesthetics and durability. This article, drawing from Yibi’s technical experience, systematically presents the core principles, materials, processes, and quality control mechanisms that define PVD’s value in precision manufacturing.
Table of Contents
1. What Is PVD Vacuum Coating and How Does It Work?
1.1. Overview of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Technology
1.2. Three Key PVD Processes: Evaporation, Sputtering, Ion Plating
1.3. Technical Advantages of PVD Coatings
2. Materials and Gases: How PVD Achieves Custom Colors and Functions
2.1. Types of Target Materials and Their Effects
2.2. Reactive Gases and Their Role in Film Formation
2.3. Color Customization and Performance Optimization
3. Complete Workflow: The 12-Step Precision Coating Process
3.1. Pre-Coating Preparation: Cleaning and Activation
3.2. Core Coating Techniques: Magnetron Sputtering and Multi-Arc Ion Plating
3.3. Post-Coating Treatment and Quality Inspection
4. Quality Control and Competitive Edge
4.1. Full Process Traceability and MES System Integration
4.2. ISO 9001 Compliance and Third-Party Validation
4.3. Flexible Manufacturing for Small and Large Batch Orders
5. Application Scenarios: Ideal for High-End Product Finishing
5.1. PVD in Jewelry: Durability, Hypoallergenic Features, Complex Designs
5.2. PVD in Leather Hardware: Weather Resistance, Visual Texture Options
6. Conclusion: Precision Technology for Premium Quality
6.1. PVD as a Bridge Between Design and Manufacturing
6.2. Integrated Solutions for European and U.S. Brands
6.3. Commitment to High-End Manufacturing Excellence
1.1 Overview of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) Technology
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is an advanced vacuum-based surface coating technology used to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functional performance of various materials. By transforming solid materials into vapor and depositing them onto a substrate under high vacuum conditions, PVD creates thin, dense, and durable films. This method enables exceptional control over film thickness, composition, and adhesion—making it ideal for high-end applications such as jewelry, electronics, aerospace components, and decorative hardware.
The core techniques within PVD include vacuum evaporation, sputtering, and ion plating, each of which serves different needs depending on the desired properties of the coating. Whether the goal is color customization, wear resistance, or corrosion protection, PVD technology offers a precise and environmentally sustainable solution for modern surface engineering.
1.2. Three Key PVD Processes: Evaporation, Sputtering, Ion Plating
PVD technology enables thin-film deposition through three main methods:
• Vacuum Evaporation Coating: The target material is heated to vaporize and condenses on the substrate surface.
• Vacuum Sputtering: Argon ions (Ar⁺) bombard the target material, ejecting atoms that deposit on the substrate. Magnetron sputtering improves deposition rate and film uniformity.
• Vacuum Ion Plating: Ionizes the target via arc or plasma with ionization rates of 60%–90%, significantly enhancing adhesion (up to 5B on cross-cut tests).
1.3 Key Technical Advantages of PVD coating:
• Environmentally Compliant: Free of chemical pollution; fully RoHS-compliant—ideal for high-end European and U.S. brands.
• Performance Tunability: Film thickness of 1–5μm, hardness of 1500–3000HV, and ≥ 100-hour salt spray resistance meet diverse application needs.
The diversity of PVD coatings stems from the strategic combination of target materials and reactive gases.
• Decorative Targets:
◦ Titanium (TiN – gold),
◦ Zirconium (ZrN – light gold; ZrCN – deep black),
◦ Stainless steel (blue from nitrides, purple from oxides)
• Functional Targets:
◦ Chromium (CrN – silver – gray, 2000HV, corrosion-resistant),
◦ Aluminum (Al – high reflectivity, used in optics).
• Inert Gas: Argon (Ar) maintains vacuum and discharge stability.
• Active Gases:
◦ Nitrogen (N₂): Forms nitrides for wear resistance.
◦ Oxygen (O₂): Creates transparent or colorful oxides.
◦ Methane (CH₄): Produces super-hard carbon coatings (black finish).
Over 50 customizable colors with ΔE < 1.5; performance-tailored coatings
Yibi’s PVD lines follow a “full-traceability + precision parameter” system to ensure batch consistency.
• Ultrasonic Cleaning (10–30 mins): Removes oils.
• Plasma Activation (15 mins): Enhances adhesion by up to 40%.
• Magnetron Sputtering:
◦ Power: 100–500W
◦ Gas flow: 10–50 sccm
◦ Vacuum: 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁵ Pa
◦ Film thickness uniformity <5%.
• Multi-Arc Ion Plating:
◦ Low voltage, high current ignition—ideal for complex parts like hollow jewelry and shaped hardware.
◦ Increases deposition rate by 30%.
• German Fischer X-Ray Thickness Gauge (±1% precision)
• Salt Spray Test (ASTM B117): 120-hour corrosion resistance
• Thermal – Humidity Testing: – 40°C to 150°C cycles
4.1 Full Process Traceability:
• More than 30 parameters (target batch, gas ratios, deposition time, etc.) are logged via MES for full traceability. Defect rate controlled below 0.8%.
• Complies with ISO 9001:2015 standards—covering incoming, in-process, and outgoing inspection.
• Regular customer and third-party audits ensure compliance with hardness, adhesion, and weather resistance standards.
• Supports low-MOQ, multi-variety orders (minimum 300 pcs)
• Sampling lead time: 5–7 days; monthly capacity: 50,000–100,000 pcs
• Compatible with parts from <5mm to >300mm in size, including titanium steel, aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, etc.
• Coatings include TiN gold, ZrCN black, and rose gold (Ti + N₂ + CH₄)
• Survive 500+ tape abrasion cycles without discoloration
• Nickel – free for sensitive skin; suitable for intricate designs like hollow pendants and micro-set pieces
• Zippers and locks use CrN (120-hour salt spray resistance) and ZrO₂ (durable and glossy transparent film)
• Customizable finishes: matte, mirror, brushed
• Excellent weather resistance: 500-hour UV exposure and – 30°C~80°C thermal cycling with no cracking—ideal for outdoor applications
6.1 Bridging Design and Manufacturing
Each stage of the PVD process—from selecting the appropriate target materials and calibrating gas ratios, to executing precise film deposition and rigorous post-coating inspections—plays a critical role in translating design concepts into reliable, high-performance surfaces. This seamless integration of design intent with engineering execution ensures consistently premium quality.
6.2 Integrated Solutions
Yibi offers a fully integrated PVD solution that combines material science, process engineering, and testing expertise. This comprehensive approach is tailored to meet the stringent requirements of European and North American premium brands, enabling efficient production without compromising aesthetic or functional standards.
6.3 Our Commitment
We believe that true excellence lies in the details. By leveraging advanced PVD technologies and meticulous craftsmanship, we elevate every surface into a statement of precision and trust. Technology sharpens the details; details shape the premium experience.
Technology refines the details. Details define the premium.
That’s the promise of PVD—and the commitment behind our manufacturing excellence.
