Surface technology

Application-specific coating solutions, process development and quality control from a single source.

We implement customer-specific coatings to increase the functionality, performance and service life of components and parts. We develop resource-saving, plasma-based processes through to pilot production. We adapt coating material, process technology and chamber configuration to create real competitive advantages for our customers.

We cover a wide range of applications and materials: from carbon-based coatings such as DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) to diamond reducing friction and wear in carbide tools as well as in bearings, seals and gears. Nitride and oxidic coating systems are used as protective coatings against hydrogen diffusion, as well as for forming processes, thin-film sensors and as corrosion protection. The control of growth conditions enables the structuring of the layers during deposition and thus endows the layers with additional functionalities, allowing for the control of wetting, adhesion and reflection. In addition, we also investigate the plasma processes themselves as a tool, e.g. for chemical surface layer modification, for surface structuring or for CO2 conversion and H2 generation.  We continuously develop the quality and microstructure of the layers and processes and adapt them to the requirements of our customers. To this end, we also use physical simulations to realize component-adapted plasma conditions during deposition. We utilize our in-depth expertise in coater engineering and source technology to support our customers in technology selection and process transfer. A comprehensive range of plasma diagnostics and coating characterization methods are available for process and quality control.