In the field of materials science, multi-arc ion plating technology, as an advanced surface treatment technology, has been widely used in various industrial production and scientific research practices. However, many people may still know little about TG multi-arc ion plating technology. This article will explore in depth the principles, characteristics, applications of TG multi-arc ion plating technology and how it subverts our understanding of traditional surface treatment technology.
1. Overview of TG multi-arc ion plating technology
TG multi-arc ion plating, as a special multi-arc ion plating technology, is centered on using arc discharge to directly evaporate metal on a solid cathode target to form a plasma composed of cathode material ions, and deposit a thin film on the surface of the substrate. This technology not only inherits the advantages of multi-arc ion plating technology such as high deposition rate, good coating adhesion, and dense coating, but also achieves more excellent performance through a series of innovations and improvements.
2. Principle of TG multi-arc ion plating technology
The working principle of TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be summarized as follows:
Vacuum environment preparation: First, the vacuum chamber is pumped to an extremely high vacuum degree to exclude the influence of air and other impurities on the coating process.
Arc discharge: voltage is applied between the cathode target and the anode shell to induce arc discharge. The high temperature generated by the arc discharge evaporates the cathode target to form metal vapor.
Plasma formation: the evaporated metal vapor is ionized under the action of the arc to form a plasma composed of metal ions and electrons.
Thin film deposition: the plasma is accelerated to the surface of the substrate under the action of the electric field. The metal ions lose energy and deposit when they hit the surface of the substrate, gradually forming a thin film.
Compared with the traditional multi-arc ion plating technology, TG multi-arc ion plating technology has been optimized in terms of arc discharge and plasma control. By precisely controlling the discharge parameters of the arc and the flow characteristics of the plasma, TG multi-arc ion plating technology can achieve more uniform and dense film deposition.
3. Characteristics of TG multi-arc ion plating technology
High ionization rate
The ionization rate of TG multi-arc ion plating technology can usually reach 60%~80%, or even higher. This means that during the coating process, more metal ions participate in the deposition, thereby improving the quality and performance of the film. High ionization rate also helps reduce the generation of large particles and improve the uniformity and density of the coating.
Fast deposition
TG multi-arc ion plating technology has an extremely high deposition rate and can form thicker films in a short time. This has significant advantages for industrial applications that require rapid production or repair of parts.
Good adhesion
Since the film formed by TG multi-arc ion plating technology has high density and strong interatomic bonding force, the adhesion between the film and the substrate is very good. This makes the film less likely to fall off or peel off during use, improving the reliability and service life of the parts.
One arc for multiple uses
The arc in TG multi-arc ion plating technology not only serves as an evaporation source and ionization source, but also has the functions of a heating source and an ion source for ion sputtering cleaning. This one arc for multiple uses simplifies the equipment structure and improves the utilization and efficiency of the equipment.
Flexibility and controllability
TG multi-arc ion plating technology has a high degree of flexibility and controllability. By adjusting parameters such as arc discharge parameters, plasma flow characteristics, and the rotation speed of the substrate, precise control of film thickness, composition, and structure can be achieved. This enables TG multi-arc ion plating technology to meet the needs of different industrial applications.
4. Application of TG multi-arc ion plating technology
Due to the above-mentioned significant characteristics, TG multi-arc ion plating technology has been widely used in many fields. The following are some of the main application areas and their specific cases:
Metallurgy and machining fields
Tool and mold coating: TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to deposit hard wear-resistant coatings such as TiN, TiCN, etc. on the surface of tools and molds. These coatings can significantly improve the hardness, wear resistance and service life of tools and molds. For example, the hardness of high-speed steel tools treated with TG multi-arc ion plating TiN coating can be increased by 2 to 3 times, and the service life can be extended by 1 to 5 times.
Parts repair: For worn or corroded parts, TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to deposit repair coatings on their surfaces to restore their original size and performance. This repair method has the advantages of low cost, high efficiency and good repair effect.
Aerospace field
Thermal barrier coating: Depositing thermal barrier coatings on the surface of high-temperature components such as aircraft engines and gas turbines can effectively reduce the operating temperature of components and improve their heat resistance and service life. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare high-performance thermal barrier coating materials, such as YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia).
Wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings: Depositing wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coatings on the surface of key components of aerospace vehicles can improve their wear and corrosion resistance and ensure flight safety. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare various wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating materials, such as CrN, TiAlN, etc.
Electronic and optical fields
Conductive and optical films: Depositing conductive and optical films on the surface of electronic devices and optical components can improve their conductive and optical properties. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare high-quality ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive films and SiO2 optical films.
Anti-reflective coatings: Depositing anti-reflective coatings on the surface of optical components can reduce the reflection loss of light and improve the light transmittance of optical systems. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare multi-layer anti-reflective coating materials to achieve wide-band, low-reflectivity optical properties.
Other fields
Biomedical field: Depositing biocompatible coatings on the surface of biomedical implants can improve their biocompatibility and corrosion resistance and extend the service life of implants. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare biocompatible coating materials such as TiN and TiCN.
Decoration field: Depositing decorative coatings on the surface of metals and plastics can give them beautiful appearance and excellent performance. TG multi-arc ion plating technology can be used to prepare decorative coating materials of various colors to meet the needs of different customers.
5. How TG multi-arc ion plating technology subverts traditional cognition
Challenging the limits of traditional coating technology
TG multi-arc ion plating technology challenges the limits of traditional coating technology with its high ionization rate, rapid deposition and good adhesion. It can form high-quality and high-performance films in a short time to meet the needs of various industrial applications.
Promoting the development of materials science
The application of TG multi-arc ion plating technology has promoted the development of materials science. By precisely controlling the composition, structure and properties of the film, new materials with novel characteristics and excellent performance can be developed. These new materials have broad application prospects in various fields.
Achieve green manufacturing and sustainable development
TG multi-arc ion plating technology is an environmentally friendly and efficient surface treatment technology. It does not require the use of toxic and harmful chemicals, reducing pollution to the environment. At the same time, by improving the service life and performance of parts, it reduces resource consumption and waste, achieving green manufacturing and sustainable development.
