How to deposit DLC properly?
Since DLC comes in various chemical compositions and structures for specific functionality, it has been deposited by using many technologies such as PECVD, magnetron sputtering, laser-arc deposition, cathodic arc evaporation, etc.
One of the key contributions to high-quality DLC is ion energy when depositing DLC coatings. Therefore, the cathodic arc plasma deposition technology, also a dominating modern PVD technology for cutting tools, leads the pack because of its high ionization-ratio plasma and the system flexibility for industrial volume production.
The Surftech STAR4 cathodic arc system operating at Aurora Scientific Corp. Canada uses the patented CAAD (cathodic arc activated deposition,
US Patent No. 6,331,332B1 under Dr. Da-Yung Wang of Surftech Corp.) process to deliver DLC coatings to many tool manufacturers in North America. The CAAD managed the essential DLC-metal adhesion problem by in-situ deposition of a metallic interface and a series of metal to carbide transition layers to ensure the optimum film adhesion to either tool steel or carbide substrates.
The final DLC top functional layer is deposited by dissociation of acetylene precursor gas stimulated by a synchronized energetic metal plasma. The entire complex procedure is completed within the same STAR4 PVD system without any additional plasma source or batch interruption. The added advantage of the STAR series’ CAAD DLC deposition process is the ease of adding desire metal or non-metal dopants in-situ to further enhance individual properties of the super-hard and super-lubricious carbon films for modern applications.
Conclusion
From traditional metal machining to advanced aerospace applications, DLC finds its unprecedented value in solving engineering challenges of wear, friction, and corrosion. Industries need to identify the specific DLC for their targeted application. Aurora Scientific Corp. is willing to consult and custom-design the DLC-based coating solution for you, both in software and hardware. Please leave us a message for more details.