Thin Film
Applications
KDF's inline sputtering and PVD/DLC coating systems are in use at leading manufacturers across the world's most demanding thin film applications — from implantable medical devices and photonic components to decorative hardware and wear-resistant coatings. Select your application to learn more.
Inline Sputtering Applications.
01
Hermetic Sealing &
Biocompatible Thin Films
Precision thin film depositions for pacemakers, cochlear implants, biosensors, and implantable electronics — where biocompatibility, uniformity, and hermeticity are non-negotiable.
Integrated Passive
Devices (IPDs)
Sub-±1% uniformity thin film resistors, capacitors, and inductors for RF, microwave, and mixed-signal applications. KDF's ERPP™ and x Series™ systems are the platform of choice for precision IPD fabrication.
Laser Diodes, Photonics
& Quantum Technology
Thin film depositions for optical fiber comms, LIDAR, medical imaging, and quantum computing components. KDF systems deliver the uniformity critical for wavelength-sensitive photonic device fabrication.
Medical Device
Sputter Coating
Biocompatible, wear-resistant, and DLC coatings for surgical instruments, implants, drug delivery systems, and optical medical devices. KDF systems are in use at leading medical device manufacturers worldwide.
Sensors &
Monitoring
Thin film deposition for reed switches, waveguide sensors, high-temperature strain gauges (PdCr to 1100°C), polymer thin film chemical sensors, and biosensors — from R&D quantities to full production.
Wear Coatings &
Surface Protection
PVD wear coatings for drill bits, razor blades, automotive components, industrial tooling, and medical implants. TiN, CrN, TiAlN, DLC, and more — extending product life and reducing friction across demanding applications.
PVD & DLC Coating Applications.
Alongside its in-line sputtering platform, KDF's PVD and DLC coating systems bring decorative color PVD and functional wear coatings to a broader set of industries — from automotive and home hardware to precision tooling and medical instruments.
Automotive Engine,
Drivetrain & Trim
PVD coatings improve durability and reduce friction on fuel injectors, gears, pistons, valves, and fasteners — plus decorative chrome-alternative and black finishes for interior and exterior trim.
Cutting Tools
Hard functional coatings for end mills, slab mills, hobs, inserts, and cutters — reducing friction, resisting edge buildup, and extending usable tool life via KDF-Cadence® RAAMS™ magnetron sputtering.
Engineered &
Precision Components
Low-friction, wear- and corrosion-resistant coatings for compressor rotors, bearings, pump rods and gears, valves, hydraulic actuators, and other parts subject to repetitive friction or metal-on-metal contact.
Home Hardware
& Fixtures
Decorative color PVD for faucets, showerheads, doorknobs, and cabinet hardware — a broad standard color range including stainless, copper, bronze, and rose gold, up to 3x harder than plated chrome.
Medical Devices &
Surgical Instruments
Biocompatible coatings for orthopedic implants, surgical tools, blades, scissors, forceps, and dental instruments — improving hardness, reducing friction, and enhancing corrosion resistance. Distinct from KDF's implantable-electronics inline sputtering line.
Blades &
Cutlery
DLC and decorative PVD for knives, cutlery, and hair-clipper blades — a durable, attractive finish that adds hardness and scratch resistance without changing blade characteristics.
Two Platforms. One Standard.
KDF's PVD and DLC coating systems — KDF-1000i™, 1500i™, 3000i™, MAX1500™, and Cadence® — bring the same manufacturing rigor to decorative and functional coatings that KDF's inline sputtering platform brings to thin film deposition.
One Platform. Every Application.
Every KDF application page details the specific materials, process options, and system configurations relevant to that market. The underlying platform — KDF's 600i, 900i, and 974i Series — provides the same core architecture across all applications, with a comprehensive menu of options that can be configured to your exact requirements.
Don't See Your Application?
KDF's applications, design, and vacuum engineering teams work across a much broader range of thin film processes. If your application isn't listed, contact us — we've likely done it.
