Fabricators often use thin film materials to achieve desirable improvements for a particular component or workpiece. By applying the material onto a substrate or base surface, they can produce a result that increases the qualities of the product. In choosing the specific material to coat the base or material the fabricator or finisher has to take into consideration a variety of factors. Failure to recognize that the two generally diverse materials interact and react can result in the ability of the product to obtain the qualities desired by its manufacturer.
Thin Film Material
Thin film material is not a singular substance. It can fall into any of the following categories:
- Metals
- Carbon-based compounds
- Ceramics
- Polymers
The same also applies to the materials that are the substrates. It is the interaction or potential interaction between the two materials that will produce the necessary properties. As a result, it becomes imperative that the fabricators completely comprehend the interrelationship between such diverse materials before they decide to employ thin film deposition.
Factors in Selecting Thin Film Materials
It is essential to choose the right combination of materials before proceeding to overlay the substrate with any metal, ceramic or polymer. Factors that need to be considered vary from properties of the materials to intended results. A fabricator has to pay specific attention to the following:
- Type of Material: As noted above, this is very important when choosing the surface layer.
- Purity: The level of purity of the materials can play a role in how effective the deposition process will be as well as its post-production application.
- Melting, Freezing Boiling, Sublimation and/or Evaporation point: These are necessary elements to consider when employing specific techniques
- Size: It is important to know the exact dimensions of the component or workpiece
These and other properties such as electrical resistivity and transmission, need to be considered are all important considerations for the selection of the right thin film material.
Using Thin Film Materials
When it comes to improving a product, fabricators can choose from one of many different kinds of treatments. They apply different techniques to ensure the final product is capable of performing according to the desired standards of their clients. When choosing a method, the fabricators have to look at two basic factors: the material to be applied and the surface material. Understanding the specific characteristics or qualities of each ensures that the choice of thin film materials will indubitably produce the desired results.