PVD – PECVD

Proven experience in PVD and PECVD technologies

For over fifty years, HEF has been continuously developing and innovating in surface treatment technologies based on PVD and PECVD vacuum deposition processes. These solutions are used in numerous industrial sectors, such as mobility, construction, the medical sector, defense, and aerospace, as well as in decarbonized energy technologies.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) processes are environmentally friendly technologies that allow the deposition of thin films under vacuum. These layers can range from a few nanometers to several tens of microns, with hardness levels typically ranging between 1,000 and 5,000 HV, depending on the application.

High-performance coatings

Thanks to its deep mastery of the processes, HEF has developed a wide range of advanced coatings designed to meet multiple functional needs. These solutions make it possible to reduce friction and wear, increase the service life of mechanical components, protect aluminum alloys against corrosion, improve erosion resistance, and add specific functionalities to surfaces. They are also used for optical, decorative, and electromagnetic shielding applications on polymers.

Controlled vertical integration model

HEF stands out for its vertical integration model. Materials and processes are designed in our research centers, deposition equipment and systems are manufactured in-house, and consumables are produced within the group itself.
This approach offers our customers great adaptability, rapid response times, and competitive industrial solutions.

Vacuum deposition technologies

Coatings are applied in vacuum chambers where a plasma is precisely generated and controlled. HEF mainly uses three proprietary plasma generation technologies to guarantee high-quality coatings and excellent reproducibility.

PEMS™ technology allows obtaining extremely dense layers optimized for tribological applications, especially hard or extra-hard coatings with very low friction coefficients. Furthermore, it makes it possible to adjust hardness, density, and mechanical strength according to the conditions of use.

CAM™ technology represents a significant advance in low-temperature vacuum deposition. It allows the application of hard coatings with extremely low friction, even on heat-sensitive components.

M-ARC™ technology is an evolution of the classic arc evaporation process, significantly reducing the presence of droplets and improving the homogeneity and surface quality of the coating.

Wide range of coatings

Thanks to this technological mastery, HEF offers an extensive range of thin film solutions, including Certess™ CARBON, Certess™ NITRO, Certess™ OPTAL, Certess™ LOOK, Certess™ EJECT, Certess™ LIFE, and Certess™ ELEC, adapted to multiple industrial applications.

Conclusion

HEF provides functional and carbon-based coatings with a wide variety of thicknesses and hardness levels, designed to meet the most demanding technical requirements. Its international presence, large-scale production capacity, and decades of experience in tribology and surface engineering make it possible to offer reliable and high-performance solutions for advanced industrial applications.