Thin film deposition are industrial coatings which are applied to a particular part of a specific target material, the result is an infusion of the surface with specific properties. These types of industrial coatings are used on glass when it is necessary to change the optical qualities, it can be used for corrosion resistance on metals as well as for semi conductors. Several techniques are used to deposit atoms or molecules to a wide variety of materials that lack the surface qualities that thin film coatings provide. Anything which needs a coating which adds minimum weight and volume can benefit from this treatment.
For centuries, metal coatings although very crude, have been used to improve the reflective properties of glass which was used to produce mirrors. The Venetian glassmakers improved on the original process but in the 1800s precision methods of applying coatings to material were developed; such processes as electroplating and vacuum deposition are still used extensively.
Electroplating is a standard method of chemical deposition. The part which is to be treated is attached to an electrode and then submerged in a conductive solution of metal ions. Once an electrical current is passed through the solution, the ions are deposited on the surface of the part. The ions build up slowly and create a very thin layer of protective metal.
Industrial Coatings using the vapor deposition process is another often used technique for creating a thin film. The part is coated in energized gas, in most cases this is done in a vacuum. While the part is in the vacuum chamber, atoms and molecules spread evenly over the part, the coating is of consistent purity and thickness. With chemical vapor deposition the part is put into a chamber which is full of the coating in gaseous form. When the part is introduced into the chamber, the gas reacts with the material and a coating of the desired thickness is the result.
There are many applications for industrial coatings. Thin film deposition is used for optical coatings on lenses as well as plate glass to improve the reflection and refraction. These coatings are used to produce UV, ultraviolet filters for prescription lenses and anti-reflective glass which is commonly used in photo frames.
Lens Technology International is a leader in the development of industrial coatings which are high performance and scratch resistant and are used in a wide variety of applications.
