PVD & DLC Coating Systems
A complete family of cathodic arc PVD and PECVD/DLC coating systems — from compact entry-level coaters to the highest-capacity industrial platforms. Bring professional-grade coating in-house and take full control of your quality, lead times, and cost per part.
Bring PVD Coating In-House. Own Your Process.
KDF Technologies' PVD and DLC coating systems give manufacturers of all sizes the ability to apply professional-grade thin-film coatings in their own facility — eliminating outsourcing costs, reducing lead times, and putting full quality control in your hands.
All systems use KDF's proven LTAVD® low-temperature cathodic arc vapor deposition technology, with PECVD/DLC capability standard across the family. Each system is backed by KDF's full installation, training, and remote diagnostics support program.
- Decorative color PVD — gold, black, bronze, chrome, rose gold, and the full color spectrum
- Diamond-like carbon (DLC) via PECVD — ultra-hard, low-friction coatings standard on all systems
- Functional wear coatings — TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN for tools, components, and industrial parts
- Low-temperature deposition — coats metal and prepared plastic substrates
- Remote diagnostics — KDF support team monitors and assists your system from the factory
- Five systems from 6 racks to 16 racks — scale to your production requirements
Choose the Right System for Your Operation
Every KDF PVD and DLC coating system is built on the same proven LTAVD® cathodic arc technology — engineered for consistent, repeatable coatings batch after batch. Select the system that matches your capacity, application, and budget.
The compact, easy-to-operate entry point to in-house PVD and DLC coating. Designed for manufacturers bringing coating capability in-house for the first time — professional-grade results without the complexity or footprint of a large industrial system.
67% more capacity than the KDF-1000i™ with 10 rack positions, a larger coating zone, and optional magnetron sputtering for manufacturers who need more throughput and broader coating capability. Compact footprint ideal for limited manufacturing space.
KDF Technologies' largest PVD and PECVD/DLC coating system — the highest rack count, largest coating area per batch, and longest part capability in the KDF-i Series. Built for high-throughput industrial operations coating large volumes of parts or large-format components.
The most versatile system in the KDF family — combining cathodic arc, magnetron sputtering, PECVD/DLC, and plasma nitriding in a single chamber. Purpose-built for industrial functional coatings on cutting tools, precision components, automotive parts, and medical devices.
A compact, purpose-built functional coating system using remote anode-assisted magnetron sputtering — delivering higher plasma density, denser coating microstructure, and superior hardness compared to conventional DC magnetron sputtering. TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN, and DLC in a 3.8m × 1.2m footprint.
Three Deposition Technologies. One System Family.
All KDF PVD and DLC coating systems are built around proven deposition technologies — giving process engineers the flexibility to deposit decorative color finishes, functional wear coatings, and ultra-hard DLC on the same platform.
Cathodic Arc PVD (LTAVD®)
KDF's primary deposition technology — low-temperature cathodic arc vapor deposition for decorative color PVD and functional wear coatings on metal and prepared plastic substrates. Standard on the 1000i, 1500i, 3000i, and MAX1500.
PECVD — Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC)
Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings — ultra-hard, extremely low-friction surfaces for medical devices, automotive components, cutting tools, firearms, and precision parts. Standard on all systems.
Magnetron Sputtering
Optional on the KDF-1500i™, standard on the MAX1500 and Cadence — magnetron sputtering expands the range of coating materials and compositions available, enabling multi-layer architectures and specialized alloy coatings.
Plasma Nitriding
Available on the KDF-MAX1500™ — plasma nitriding case-hardens steel and stainless steel components in the same chamber as PVD, eliminating the need for a separate nitriding system.
Remote Diagnostics & Support
Every system in the KDF-i family includes factory remote diagnostics — KDF Technologies' support team can monitor, troubleshoot, and assist with your system from the factory, reducing downtime and maximizing uptime.
Low Per-Part Cost
High parts-per-batch capacity across all KDF-i systems drives down cost per coated part — making in-house PVD and DLC coating economically viable for small to large manufacturing operations.
Who Uses KDF PVD & DLC Coating Systems
KDF PVD and DLC coating systems serve manufacturers across a wide range of industries — from companies applying brilliant decorative finishes to consumer hardware, to precision component producers coating tools and medical devices with the highest-performance functional coatings.
Plumbing & Home Hardware
Decorative PVD color coatings for faucets, door hardware, cabinet pulls, and architectural fixtures — gold, black, bronze, chrome, and custom colors.
Medical Devices
DLC and hard nitride coatings for surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, and precision medical components requiring biocompatibility and wear resistance.
Cutting Tools & Tooling
TiN, CrN, ZrN, TiCN, and AlTiN wear coatings that dramatically extend tool life for drills, end mills, inserts, and forming tools.
Automotive Parts
Wear-resistant and decorative coatings for engine components, fasteners, trim, and precision assemblies.
Molds & Dies
Hard DLC and CrN coatings that reduce adhesion and dramatically extend mold life in injection molding and stamping operations.
Firearms
DLC, TiN, and decorative PVD coatings for pistols, rifles, and firearm components requiring hardness, corrosion resistance, and premium finish.
Precision Components
Functional thin-film coatings for bearings, shafts, and engineered parts requiring tight tolerances and superior surface performance.
Knives & Blades
DLC and nitride coatings delivering hardness, edge retention, and product longevity to industrial and consumer blades.
VaporTech Support
Dedicated support for KDF-i Series and VaporTech systems — installation, training, process optimization, and ongoing technical assistance from KDF Technologies' specialist team.
VaporTech Support →Product Literature & Guides
Download the KDF PVD Color Coatings Guide and Performance Coatings Guide — complete coating material reference for decorative and functional PVD applications.
Download Guides →Talk to a KDF Engineer
Not sure which system is right for your production volume, application, and facility? Our engineers can help you match the right platform and validate your process.
Contact KDF →Let's Find the Right System for Your Operation
Talk to a KDF Technologies specialist about which PVD or DLC coating system matches your production volume, application, coating requirements, and facility.
