KDF-MAX1500™
Cathodic arc. Magnetron sputtering. PECVD/DLC. Plasma nitriding. All in one compact, industrial-grade batch coating system — built for manufacturers who demand the highest-performing functional and wear coatings for cutting tools, precision components, automotive parts, medical devices, and other industrial products.
Flexible, Cost-Effective PVD System Ideal for Industrial Products
The KDF-MAX1500™ is a flexible industrial batch PVD coating system engineered for manufacturers who need maximum coating capability in a single platform. Whether you're applying high-performance wear coatings to cutting tools, DLC coatings to medical devices, or plasma nitriding to precision components — the KDF-MAX1500™ handles it all in a single chamber.
Up to 6 wall-mounted cathodic arc and/or magnetron sputtering sources deliver unmatched flexibility and deposition speed. Unlike single-technology coaters, the MAX1500 eliminates the need for multiple systems.
- TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN, AlTiN, and DLC wear coatings for cutting tools, molds, and dies
- Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings for low friction, hardness, and corrosion resistance
- Plasma nitriding plus PVD in the same chamber — no second system needed
- Broad substrate compatibility across metals used in industrial production
- 6 to 12 rack positions on a removable turntable for fast, flexible batch loading
Understand Your Functional Coating Options
The KDF-MAX1500™ is engineered for manufacturers who need high-performance functional coatings — TiN, TiCN, AlTiN, CrN, ZrN, and DLC — for cutting tools, precision components, automotive and aerospace parts, medical devices, and other industrial products that benefit from lower friction, enhanced durability, and product longevity.
FUNCTIONAL PVD COATINGS
Compare features of the different coating materials the KDF-MAX1500™ system deposits.
Coating Materials Available
What the KDF-MAX1500™ Delivers
High-Speed Deposition
Multiple cathodic arc and magnetron sputtering sources run simultaneously for faster deposition rates, shorter cycle times, and higher functional coating throughput than single-source systems.
Four Technologies, One Chamber
Cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, PECVD/DLC, and plasma nitriding — all in a single integrated system. Switch between different functional coating processes without moving parts to a second machine.
Cost Competitive
Competitive capital cost versus comparable multi-technology PVD coating systems. Modern turbomolecular vacuum pumps reduce power consumption and operating costs over the system lifetime.
Rapid Changeover
Removable turntable with 6 to 12 rack positions enables fast batch loading and unloading — minimizing idle time between production runs and maximizing coating throughput.
Designed for Uptime
Dual chamber doors, easy-to-remove deposition shields, and direct access to all coating sources make routine maintenance fast — reducing planned and unplanned downtime.
Full Application Support
KDF Technologies' applications engineers work with you to optimize coatings for your specific substrates, geometries, and performance requirements — from initial qualification through production.
What's Included with the KDF-MAX1500™
Turbomolecular Vacuum Pumps
Modern turbomolecular vacuum pumps for excellent pumping performance and lower power consumption versus legacy mechanical pump systems.
Advanced Power Supplies
Advanced cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, bias, and ion source power supplies for improved coating quality and long-term system reliability.
Single-Skid Installation
Compact 2.1m × 4.8m footprint — all components ship on one skid for easier transport and a faster, streamlined installation process.
Easy-Access Maintenance Design
Dual chamber doors and easy-to-remove deposition shields with direct access to all coating sources for fast target changes and routine maintenance.
KDF Coating System Software
KDF Technologies' latest coating system software — intuitive process control with recipe management, real-time monitoring, and process logging.
Installation, Training & Support
Full installation, qualification, and operator training by KDF Technologies' field service team — plus ongoing applications and technical support.
Who Uses the KDF-MAX1500™
The MAX1500's multi-technology capability makes it the coating system of choice across a wide range of industries — from manufacturers applying hard wear coatings to extend tool life, to precision component producers and medical device manufacturers requiring the highest-performing functional coatings.
Medical Devices
DLC and hard nitride coatings for surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and precision medical components.
Automotive & Aerospace
Wear-resistant and low-friction coatings for engine components, transmission parts, and precision fasteners.
Molds & Dies
Hard CrN and DLC coatings that reduce adhesion, extend mold life, and improve part release.
Firearms
DLC and hard nitride coatings for firearm components requiring extreme hardness, low friction, and corrosion resistance.
Precision Components
Thin-film functional coatings for bearings, shafts, gears, and precision-engineered parts requiring tight tolerances.
Knives & Blades
DLC and nitride coatings delivering hardness, edge retention, and product longevity to industrial and consumer blades.
KDF-MAX1500™ System Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| System Capacity | |
| Coating Area per Rack | 80 cm × 25.4 cm Ø (6-rack option) |
| Number of Rack Positions | 6 standard (up to 12 optional) |
| Chamber Coating Zone | 80 cm × 88 cm Ø |
| System Footprint | 2.1m × 4.8m (single skid) |
| Coating Technologies | |
| Deposition Technologies |
|
| Available Coatings | |
| Functional / Wear Coatings | TiN, TiCN, AlTiN, CrN, ZrN, and DLC (diamond-like carbon) |
| Base Materials | Zirconium, titanium, chromium, aluminum, carbon, and other metals — pure, alloyed, or reacted |
| Substrate Compatibility | |
| Materials | Steel, stainless steel, brass, zinc, aluminum, carbide, and prepared plastic substrates |
A Closer Look
The KDF-MAX1500™ is configurable with 6 or 12 rack positions — scale your batch capacity to match your production requirements without changing systems.
KDF-MAX1500™ 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 is backed by KDF's engineering and service team.
600i Series
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In-Line · Sputter-DownThe bridge from R&D to production. Qualifies your process today and scales with your volume tomorrow.
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In-Line · Sputter-DownBalanced capacity and footprint for mid-volume production with flexible cathode configurations.
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In-Line · Sputter-DownHigh-throughput in-line platform proven across medical, IPD, and semiconductor production.
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In-Line · FlagshipFlagship horizontal sputter-down system. 20"×20" pallet, 4× throughput of 900i for 200mm wafer metallurgy.
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PVD · Cathodic ArcCompact, easy-to-operate PVD and DLC coating system for operations bringing in-house coating capability online.
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PVD · Mid CapacityPrice-competitive, high-capacity PVD coating machine with optional magnetron sputtering for mid-volume operations.
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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.
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PVD · Functional Performance4 technologies in one chamber — cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, PECVD/DLC, and plasma nitriding.
Current PageKDF-Cadence®
RAAMS™ MagnetronCompact RAAMS™ magnetron sputtering with PECVD/DLC for fast, high-performance functional coatings.
Learn More →Let's Talk About Your Coating Requirements
Talk to a KDF Technologies specialist to discuss your application, substrates, and production requirements.
