KDF-Cadence: SPECIALTY COATINGS FOR EXACTING APPLICATIONS
The KDF-Cadence remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering system deposits high-performance coatings for specialty applications. Its proprietary process improves coating structure, hardness, and wear resistance better than traditional PVD sputtering, at a higher deposition rate than competitors.
Why Cadence Stands Out
Precision Thin Films
Our remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering machine deposits dense, highly uniform PVD coatings for better hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, adhesion, and overall durability.
Thermal Flexibility
Cadence's broad temperature capability supports diverse substrate materials, coating a wide range of substrate materials without compromising part integrity.
DLC Performance
Because of its unique atomic structure, DLC coatings combine extreme diamond-like hardness with graphite-like slickness, solving application engineering challenges and eliminating the need for lubricants.
Small and Fast
Despite its highly compact (3.8m × 1.2m) design, KDF-Cadence delivers higher throughput with a faster deposition process than competing systems. They're also easy for your operator to maintain.
Repeatable Results
Stabilized plasma discharge maintains consistent reactive gas control runs to ensure repeatable coating properties for zirconium-, titanium-, chromium-, and carbon-based sources.
Full Application Support
KDF Technologies' applications engineers help you match coating and process parameters to your specific tools, materials, and performance requirements.
Who Uses the KDF-1500i
The KDF-1500i is highly flexible and used in many durable/decorative and functional applications on both consumer and industrial products. It's also the perfect system for coating service providers.
Plumbing & Home Hardware
Medical & Orthopedic
Automotive Parts
Cutting & Forming Tools
Shooting Sports
Knives & Blades
See What Cadence Can Do
The KDF-Cadence coating system brings advanced sputtering, DLC, PECVD, and multi-source deposition capabilities into one compact platform designed for demanding functional coatings. Cadence deposits a wide range of substrate materials, bringing you repeatable results across high-performance applications.
- Multi-source co-deposition for combining materials, building composite coatings, and creating graded film structures in a single vacuum process.
- Integrated PVD and PECVD processing for DLC coatings, metal base layers, and carbon-based films without breaking vacuum.
- Reactive gas control for repeatable zirconium-, titanium-, chromium-, and carbon-based compound coatings across demanding production runs.
- Broad material compatibility for depositing zirconium, titanium, chromium, carbon, and other functional coatings on steels, carbides, and performance alloys.
How Remote Anode-Assisted Magnetron Sputtering Works
Conventional magnetron sputtering places the anode close to the cathode, where plasma instability can limit coating density and uniformity. The KDF-Cadence takes a different approach.
Remote Anode Placement
The anode is positioned remotely from the cathode rather than immediately adjacent to it — fundamentally changing the geometry of the plasma discharge.
Stabilized Plasma Discharge
This remote placement stabilizes the plasma, reducing the instabilities that limit deposition rate and coating quality in conventional magnetron sputtering setups.
Denser, More Uniform Coatings
The stabilized discharge produces coatings with higher density, improved hardness, and better uniformity — especially valuable for reactive processes depositing compound coatings like TiN and CrN.
Understand Your Functional Coating Options
The KDF-Cadence deposits high-performance functional coatings for cutting tools, forming tools, and precision components. Download this guide to compare your material options.
Compare TiN, TiCN, CrN, ZrN, and DLC — find the right coating for your tools and components.
Considering a decorative-capable system instead? See the full range of KDF PVD colors.
KDF-Cadence System Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Capacity | |
| System Footprint | 3.8m × 1.2m |
| Coating Zone | 0.29 m² |
| Load Capacity | Up to 35 lbs |
| Coating Technology | |
| Primary Deposition | Remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering |
| Secondary Process | Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) for DLC |
| Available Coatings | |
| Functional / Wear Coatings | TiN, TiCN, CrN, ZrN, and DLC (diamond-like carbon) |
| Substrate Compatibility | |
| Materials | Steel, stainless steel, carbide, and other tool and component materials |
KDF-Cadence Common Questions
Find the Right KDF-Series PVD Coating System
We offer a full line of batch PVD/DLC coating systems that protect your product's performance and durability.
