KDF-Cadence®
A purpose-built compact magnetron sputtering system powered by our remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering process — delivering high deposition rates, superior coating hardness, and exceptional wear resistance for tools, tooling, automotive, and precision components. Small footprint. Fast cycles. Easy to operate.
Compact. Fast. Built for Functional Performance.
The KDF-Cadence® is KDF Technologies' specialized magnetron sputtering system — purpose-designed for manufacturers who need fast, high-quality functional coatings on tools, precision components, and industrial parts without the footprint or complexity of a large production coater.
At the heart of the system is our exclusive remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering process — a high-energy deposition technology that delivers faster coating cycles, better coating structure, and superior hardness and wear resistance compared to conventional DC magnetron sputtering systems.
- Remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering — higher energy than conventional sputtering for better coating properties
- Multiple coating sources for high deposition rates or composite material deposition
- PECVD capability included — DLC coatings without a separate system
- Compact 3.8m × 1.2m footprint — easy factory integration for smaller operations
- TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN, and DLC functional coatings from a single platform
- Designed for straightforward operation and maintenance
Remote Anode-Assisted Magnetron Sputtering
The KDF-Cadence® runs on our remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering process. This is a fundamentally higher-energy deposition technology than conventional DC magnetron sputtering, and that difference shows directly in coating quality.
By introducing a remote anode into the sputtering process, RAAMS increases the plasma density and ion bombardment energy at the substrate — producing coatings with denser microstructure, higher hardness, and better wear resistance than conventional sputtering at comparable deposition rates. The result is functional coatings that simply perform better in demanding applications.
Multiple coating sources can be configured in the Cadence to further increase deposition rates — shortening cycle times — or to co-deposit composite coating materials not achievable with a single source.
- Higher plasma density than conventional DC magnetron sputtering
- Denser coating microstructure and higher hardness
- Superior wear resistance vs. standard sputtering processes
- Multiple source configurations for speed or composite deposition
- Combined with PECVD capability for DLC coatings in the same system
Remote Anode-Assisted vs. Conventional Magnetron Sputtering
Who This System Is Built For
The KDF-Cadence® is the right system for manufacturers who need fast, high-performance functional coatings — and don't need the large batch capacity of the KDF-i Series. It excels where coating quality, cycle speed, and compact footprint matter more than raw throughput volume.
Speed-First Design
Our high deposition rates and configurable multi-source architecture shorten coating cycles — keeping production moving without sacrificing coating quality.
Small Operation Friendly
A 3.8m × 1.2m footprint and straightforward operation make the Cadence accessible to smaller manufacturing operations bringing functional coating capability in-house for the first time.
Superior Functional Coatings
Our remote anode-assisted process produces denser, harder coatings than conventional sputtering — delivering measurably better wear resistance and coating performance for demanding tool and component applications.
Composite Material Capability
Multiple coating sources enable co-deposition of composite coating materials — expanding the range of achievable coating compositions beyond what single-source systems can produce.
What This System Delivers
Remote Anode-Assisted Sputtering
Our remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering process produces denser, harder coatings with better wear resistance than conventional DC magnetron sputtering — measurable differences in coating performance.
Minimal Footprint
A 3.8m × 1.2m (12.5 × 3.9 ft) floor plan makes the Cadence one of the most compact functional coating systems available — straightforward integration even in space-constrained facilities.
Multi-Source Configuration
Multiple coating sources configurable for maximum deposition rate or composite co-deposition of advanced coating materials not achievable with a single source.
DLC / PECVD Built In
Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) capability is standard — full DLC coating capability in the same system without a separate machine or process chamber.
Easy to Operate
Designed for smaller manufacturing teams — KDF Technologies' intuitive control interface and comprehensive training program get operators productive quickly with minimal complexity.
Broad Substrate Compatibility
Deposits high-performance coatings on steel, stainless steel, carbide, and a range of engineered metal substrates used across tooling, medical, and precision component manufacturing.
Where This System Excels
This system is purpose-built for functional coating applications — industries where coating hardness, wear resistance, and friction reduction translate directly into longer tool life, better part quality, and lower operating costs.
KDF-Cadence® System Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Capacity | |
| Coating Zone | 45.7 × 20.3 cm (18 × 8 in.) |
| Coating Area | 0.29 m² (3.12 sq ft.) |
| Loading Capacity | 15.9 kg (35 lbs.) |
| System Dimensions | |
| Height | 2.4 m (96 in.) |
| Width | 1.2 m (48 in.) |
| Depth | 3.8 m (150 in.) — without load assist |
| Footprint | 3.8 m × 1.2 m (12.5 ft. × 3.9 ft.) |
| Coating Technologies | |
| Deposition Technologies |
|
| Coating Processes | |
| Processes |
|
| Available Coatings | |
| Functional / Wear Coatings | TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN, and DLC (diamond-like carbon) |
| Composite Coatings | Multi-source co-deposited composite materials — contact KDF Technologies for specific compositions |
| Base Materials | Zirconium, titanium, chromium, and carbon |
| Substrate Compatibility | |
| Materials | Steel, stainless steel, carbide, and engineered metal substrates |
A Closer Look
KDF-Cadence® Common Questions
Find the Right System for Your Operation
KDF Technologies offers a complete family of PVD and DLC coating systems — from compact entry-level coaters to the highest-capacity industrial platforms. Each system shares the same proven technology and is backed by KDF's engineering and service team.
600i Series
In-Line · Sputter-DownEntry-level in-line batch sputtering platform. Full KDF process heritage in a compact footprint for smaller substrates and moderate throughput.
Learn More →744i Series
In-Line · Sputter-DownThe bridge from R&D to production. Qualifies your process today and scales with your volume tomorrow.
Learn More →844i Series
In-Line · Sputter-DownBalanced capacity and footprint for mid-volume production with flexible cathode configurations and ERPP uniformity.
Learn More →900i Series
In-Line · Sputter-DownHigh-throughput in-line platform proven across medical, IPD, and semiconductor production environments.
Learn More →974i Series
In-Line · FlagshipFlagship horizontal sputter-down system. 20"×20" pallet, 4× throughput of 900i Series for 200mm wafer metallurgy.
Learn More →KDF-1000i™
PVD · Cathodic ArcCompact, easy-to-operate PVD and DLC coating system for operations bringing in-house decorative and functional coating capability online.
Learn More →KDF-1500i™
PVD · Mid CapacityPrice-competitive, high-capacity PVD coating machine with optional magnetron sputtering for mid-volume decorative and functional coating operations.
Learn More →KDF-3000i™
PVD · Highest Capacity16 racks, 12.44 m² coating area, parts to 122 cm. The largest PVD and DLC coating system in the KDF-i Series.
Learn More →KDF-MAX1500™
PVD · Most FlexibleKDF's most flexible industrial PVD system — cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, PECVD/DLC, and plasma nitriding in one platform.
Learn More →KDF-Cadence®
RA-AMS MagnetronCompact remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering with PECVD/DLC. Built for fast, high-performance functional coatings on tools and precision components.
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Talk to a KDF Technologies specialist about how this system can deliver faster cycles and better functional coatings for your tools and components.
