Functional Coatings
Functional Coatings
Increased Functionalization with Technical Ceramics
Employing specialized coatings with Technical Ceramics results in completely new application possibilities: special requirements can be met, for example, with the application of metallic layers. Advanced Ceramics continues to develop this higher functionalization and ceramic components from Advanced Ceramics are therefore precisely tailored to their surroundings as well as to their technical functions.
Extending Functionality with Durable Coatings
Coatings on Technical Ceramics can serve multiple purposes. Existing properties can be improved, for example, by applying friction-reducing layers, or completely new properties can be added. For example, ceramic - an insulating material - can be rendered conductive where needed by applying metallic layers. These layers permanently bond to the ceramic base material through sintering, producing ceramics that can be used for completely new applications.
Wide Range of Coating Materials and Technologies
Depending on the materials used, coatings can be sintered with the component at high temperatures (co-firing), or applied to an already sintered component, the latter requiring re-sintering the material at lower temperatures (post-firing). Co-firing achieves better layer adhesion but can not be applied to all materials. Advanced Ceramics has already developed many coatings, including gold, silver, platinum, chrome but also with extremely hard materials such as DLC (diamond-like carbon coating). The wide range of coating technologies ensures an extensive choice of materials.
Our Methods
In-Mold Labeling
With In-mold labeling, a film with printed coatings is placed in an injection molding tool and then encapsulated with ceramic material. The film is removed in the subsequent processes, while the functional coating is permanently bonded to the ceramic.
Tampography
With this process, coatings can be applied using a flexible silicone die to non-planar ceramic components, such as curved surfaces.
Screen Printing
With screen printing, metallic pastes can be applied with great precision to flat components. For electronics, this means producing multi-layer circuits with ceramic carrier plates (LTCC technology).
CVD
With chemical vapor deposition, highly complex parts can be refined with precise layers on a three-dimensional level. Advanced Ceramics works sustainably using unique processing techniques to avoid the formation of harmful hexavalent chromium.
PVD
The technically demanding process of physical vapor deposition achieves excellent layer adhesion, producing thin, compact coatings in a wide variety of materials.