Precision Thin Film
Coatings. Built on
Decades of Expertise.
KDF Technologies LLC is a world leader in inline physical vapor deposition (PVD) sputtering systems — delivering the consistent, repeatable thin film coatings that semiconductor fabs, medical device manufacturers, and research institutions depend on.
A Legacy of Inline Sputtering Innovation
Founded in 1986, KDF has grown into one of the most trusted names in inline PVD sputtering — supplying both new and remanufactured batch sputtering systems to customers across the globe who demand precise, repeatable thin film coatings on high-value substrates.
Our systems are built for production environments where coating consistency isn't a preference — it's a requirement. Whether you're depositing metal films on semiconductor wafers, applying biocompatible coatings to medical implants, or developing novel materials in a research lab, KDF delivers the process control and uptime your operations depend on.
In January 2022, KDF was acquired by the Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC), the leading global provider of vacuum technology. This partnership strengthens our engineering resources, global service network, and long-term product roadmap — while KDF continues to operate with the specialized focus and responsiveness our customers have always known.
Engineering for Coating Consistency at Scale
KDF sputtering systems are designed for one purpose: delivering uniform, repeatable thin film coatings on demanding substrates — run after run, at production scale.
Precision Thin Film Deposition
KDF inline sputtering systems deliver exceptional film uniformity and purity across metals, alloys, and compound targets — engineered for tight process windows and high-yield production.
Full Lifecycle Service & Support
With over 600 man-years of combined MRC/KDF equipment experience, our team provides OEM parts, field service, training, and thin film process support — worldwide.
Turnkey Process Solutions
Our Rockleigh, NJ metrology lab enables KDF engineers to develop and validate your process before you place an order — minimizing risk and accelerating your path to production.
Trusted Across High-Precision Industries
KDF thin film sputtering systems are deployed in some of the world's most demanding coating applications — where substrate value, process purity, and coating consistency are non-negotiable.
Semiconductor
Metal deposition on silicon wafers, GaAs, and advanced substrates. Used in fabs worldwide for interconnects, barriers, and contact layers.
Medical Devices
Biocompatible thin film coatings for implants, sensors, and surgical instruments. Precision deposition where regulatory compliance is critical.
Laser Diodes & Photonics
Optical and conductive coatings for laser diodes, photonic devices, and quantum technology applications.
Integrated Passive Devices
Thin film resistors, capacitors, and circuits for telecom, RF, and high-frequency electronics manufacturing.
Sensors & MEMS
Precise metal and dielectric film deposition for pressure sensors, accelerometers, and micro-electromechanical systems.
Research & University Labs
Flexible, configurable sputtering platforms for materials science, thin film research, and process development at academic institutions.
Global Backing. Specialized Focus.
The Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC) has been a global leader in vacuum technology since 1954 — headquartered in Jefferson Hills, PA with operations worldwide. KJLC's acquisition of KDF in 2022 brings expanded engineering resources and a global supply chain while preserving what makes KDF distinctive: deep inline sputtering expertise and responsive customer support.
KJLC is a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) driven by a mission of Enabling Technology for a Better World — a mission KDF shares through every system we ship and every process we support.
Visit lesker.com →Built on the MRC Legacy — Advancing It Forward
KDF's inline sputtering systems trace their lineage to Materials Research Corporation (MRC), founded in 1957 and recognized as a pioneer in thin film deposition technology. Understanding that history explains why KDF systems are so deeply embedded in production environments around the world.
Materials Research Corporation (MRC) Founded
MRC established in Yonkers, NY by Dr. Sheldon Weinig, pioneering sputtering systems and high-purity materials for the semiconductor industry. MRC develops the foundational inline sputtering platforms still in use today.
KDF Electronics Founded
KDF is established as a dedicated service organization for MRC's batch inline sputtering product line — building the deep equipment expertise that defines KDF today.
MRC Outsources Batch Assembly to KDF
MRC formally outsources batch product assembly to KDF, cementing KDF's role as the manufacturer and steward of the inline sputtering product line.
KDF Acquires MRC Product Lines from TEL
After Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) acquired MRC's equipment operations, KDF acquired the full batch and etch product lines — re-engineering the systems for modern throughput and versatility requirements.
KDF Acquired by Kurt J. Lesker Company
KDF Electronics & Vacuum Services, Inc. is acquired by KJLC and rebranded as KDF Technologies, LLC — combining the inline sputtering expertise of KDF with the global resources of the world's leading vacuum technology company.
KDF Technologies is the authorized successor to MRC's inline sputtering product lines — supplying original OEM parts, service, and support for MRC equipment worldwide.
KDF Technologies — FAQ
For engineers, procurement teams, and researchers evaluating inline thin film deposition equipment — here are answers to the questions we hear most.
Who makes inline thin film deposition sputtering systems?
KDF Technologies is one of the world's leading manufacturers of inline thin film deposition and PVD sputtering systems. Our systems are installed in more than 2,000 locations worldwide — including over half of all global semiconductor fabrication facilities. We offer both new and remanufactured inline sputtering systems configurable for a wide range of substrates, film stacks, and throughput requirements.
What happened to Materials Research Corporation (MRC) sputtering systems?
Materials Research Corporation (MRC) was founded in 1957 and became a pioneer in inline sputtering technology. In 1998, Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) acquired MRC's equipment operations. KDF then acquired the full MRC batch and inline sputtering product lines from TEL in 1999 — re-engineering the systems for modern throughput requirements. KDF Technologies is the authorized successor to MRC's inline sputtering product lines and continues to manufacture, support, and supply parts for these systems worldwide.
Does KDF support legacy MRC sputtering equipment?
Yes — fully. KDF is the authorized successor to MRC's inline sputtering product lines and maintains complete parts, service, and support for MRC equipment. Our team carries over 600 man-years of combined MRC and KDF equipment experience. We supply original OEM parts, sputter targets, field service, upgrade kits, and operator training for MRC systems still in production worldwide.
What industries does KDF serve?
KDF serves any manufacturer or researcher who requires consistent, repeatable thin film coatings on high-value substrates. Our primary markets include semiconductor fabrication, medical device manufacturing, laser diode and photonics production, integrated passive devices (IPDs), MEMS and sensors, industrial wear coatings, and academic and commercial R&D laboratories.
Who owns KDF Technologies?
KDF Technologies is a subsidiary of the Kurt J. Lesker Company (KJLC), which acquired KDF in January 2022. KJLC is a global leader in vacuum technology founded in 1954, headquartered in Jefferson Hills, PA. KDF continues to operate as a specialized inline sputtering business — retaining its dedicated engineering team, product focus, and customer relationships while benefiting from KJLC's global infrastructure.
Ready to Discuss Your Coating Requirements?
Our engineers can help you identify the right inline sputtering configuration for your substrate, film stack, and throughput needs — and validate your process in our Rockleigh facility before you commit.
