Ion Plating

In ion plating, a thin metallic coat is deposited on the workpiece.  The workpiece (the cathode) and the source metal (the anode) are submitted to a vacuum chamber where a heat source causes the source material to evaporate and form a vapor.  This metallic vapor then condenses on the workpiece.

Process Characteristics

Is performed in a vacuum chamber using inert gas
Can produce a uniform metallic deposit on complex tool geometries
Transfers a metallic deposit via a metal vapor
Typically utilizes common metals and alloys
Requires very clean surfaces
Is a relatively expensive way to apply a desired metallic coating

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Information provided is from Manufacturing Processes Reference Guide by Robert H. Todd, Dell K. Allen, and Leo Alting.--1st ed. Published by Industrial Press Inc., 1994.