Sputtering is a physical process, in which atoms are extracted from the solid body (target) by bombardment with high-energy ions (mainly noble gas ions) and change into the gas phase. Sputtering is usually regarded as sputter deposition, a group belonging to the high vacuum based PVD coating processes.

An example is the MoS₂ coating. Molybdenum disulphide as solid lubricant is frequently and successfully deposited as overlay on hard coatings. The long lasting layer provides a significant improvement in the frictional resistance. It increases the overall service life and is effective against adhesive wear.

However, to improve the friction conditions it is also possible to deposit on parts and tools without a prior hard coating!