F. Marchetti, T. Ceccatelli Martellini, G. Coletta, M. Tosti, Protec Surface Technologies S.r.l, Bedizzole, Italy
PVD technology is widely used for decorative metal coatings in many sectors, including fashion, handles, faucets, cutlery. The continuous evolution of markets demands requires an expanded focus on improving PVD film properties, achieving new colour shades, and harnessing the latest technological innovations. In this study, the purpose was to obtain enhanced PVD films for the decorative field through the integration of advanced deposition methodologies, materials, and process parameters. This aim has been pursued through the employment of High Power Pulsed (HPP) Magnetron Sputtering technology. The short pulses, low duty cycle ranging between 1% and 10% and peak power density ranging from 50 W/cm2 and 104 W/cm2, which identify this technology, allowed to obtain coatings characterized by high quality surface, smooth and dense, with improved mechanical and chemical properties. The combination of HPP technology and the optimization of the process parameters allowed the expansion of the reachable colour palette. Compared to the traditional evaporation sources, the application of HPP technology to the decorative field led the achievement of novel colorations with improved film properties from a chemical, physical, mechanical point of view. This significantly contributes to diversifying the offer in the decorative and industrial sectors.