Fraunhofer Institute for Material and Beam Technology IWS
New coating solutions for tribological and functionalized diamond-like carbon coatings are being developed on industrial-grade PVD systems.
Diamond-like carbon coatings (ta‑C) are developed for a wide range of customer applications using laser-arc technology on an industrial scale. We are pioneers in ta‑C coating with high deposition rates, homogeneous coating thickness distribution, and long-term process stability. Smooth, nearly defect-free coatings are produced using modular plasma filter technology. Special adhesion layer designs enable the deposition of ta‑C coatings up to 100 µm thick. By evaporation of composite graphites, a wide variety of dopants can be selected to adjust a wide range of functional properties to ta‑C:X films. Laser-arc technology can also be used to produce dense, robust MoS2 films that are significantly superior to conventionally sputtered films.
Our Range of Services Includes:
- Extremely wear-resistant ta‑C coatings for sliding components and tools
- Functionalized ta‑C:X coatings for electrical/electrochemical applications, e.g., bipolar plates, electrodes, and sensors
- Robust MoS2 coatings for tribological vacuum applications
- Adaptation of laser arc technology to industrial requirements (e.g., inline coating)