Magnetron Sputtering 101
What is a Thin Film?
A thin film is a substance 1 micrometer or less that provides additional functionality. Functionality of thin films can include electrical performance as a conductor or insulator, optical enhancement, or provide surface protection/modification. Thin films are crucial for modern day products and can be produced through different methods of vacuum coating. This post will specifically identify some of the benefits of roll-magnetron sputtering for thin film deposition.
What Are The Different Styles of Thin Film Deposition?
Thin films can be created in multiple different methods each has tradeoffs. Vacuum coating methods include physical vapor deposition (PVD), magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, and atomic layer deposition. Roll-to-roll sputtering provides significantly increased accuracy and unmatched uniformity compared to other solutions.
What is Magnetron Sputtering?
Magnetron sputtering is one of the most accurate methods of coating thin films. This method is great for highly precise applications such as demanding circuitry and medical devices. Through the sputtering process you can create extremely uniform layers with control that is unavailable from other deposition processes. This technique allows for many different substrates and materials for deposition.
Applications for Thin Films
Thin films are critical for most modern industries, including electronics and health care. Flexible conductors for batteries are made possible and could even be safer thanks to thin films. Within healthcare applications include biosensors that provide life saving readings of blood sugar where accuracy is critical to quickly provide effective care. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating innovative solutions with thin films.
Magnetron Sputtering Materials and Benefits
Wide web roll-to-roll magnetron sputtering processes can include non-reactive, and reactive applications. Precious metals, non-precious metals, and ceramic/dielectric metals can all be applied to different substrates including polyester, fluoropolymers, and more. Explore CoreTech to learn more about our different technologies and a more complete list of capabilities and materials available.
Summary
Magnetron sputtering provides a wide range of material and substrate customizations to provide high-performance solutions for demanding applications. If you are starting a project and are looking for unmatched expertise within the thin film space, please contact CoreTech Performance Film Solutions today to learn how our more than 50 years’ of experience within thin films can benefit you.
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