Physical vapor deposition is a blanket term that is meant to encompass a host of processes used to apply a thin film coating to a substrate. This technique was utilized by NASA in 2010. The goal was to create lighter parts that could withstand the intense pressures and strain needed to propel a vehicle to space. Since, almost every mechanical industry has benefitted from the usage of PVD coating.
High Performance
F-1 racing involves high-performance parts that must be able to function under immense strain. Parts can heat up quickly, and materials would be prohibitively expensive to replace if they continued to break down. Improvements to the manufacturing sector allow builders to metalize plastic parts, which is excellent for bolts and bearings that need strength. The process is also used to reinforce gear boxes and increase their longevity.
Weight Concerns
Both the aerospace and automotive industries benefit greatly from reduction of weight in their vehicles. Less weight means less to push or pull in propulsion, which ultimately cuts fuel consumption. It also has the added benefit of increasing the top speed that a vehicle can travel.
Durability
The most cited benefit of using this technology comes in the form of added durability for the products in question. Metalizing a product lends the properties of that metal to whatever the product is. Plastic screws are a good example. Plastic pieces are metalized in temperature-controlled chambers, where the metal can be superheated and the chamber cooled enough to contain the plastic without damaging it. The thin layer reduces material usage and improves durability, even if that layer is mere microns in thickness.
Bio: Denton Vacuum, LLC specializes in vacuum deposition systems used in the manufacture of high-performance parts and medical devices.