The PVD coating systems of Vacotec are for reactive gas coating of substrates (tools or components) with metal-based, electrically conductive layers.

For the generation of the necessary metal ions and atoms, the so-called arc evaporation process is used.

After ignition the arc runs on the target surface in tiny, microscopic spots, evaporating and ionizing the target material. The ions and atoms thus generated condense onto the substrates.
On the way from the target to the substrate and while on the substrate surface itself, the particles can form chemical bonds with the ionized components of reactive gases.

In this way, the desired coating is formed on the surface of the substrate. The high voltage (bias voltage) connected to the electrically conductive substrates can be used to influence the ion energy and thus the chief properties of the coating.