Magnetron Sputtering System is a state-of-the-art physical vapor deposition (PVD) unit specifically engineered for depositing high-quality, decorative Rose Gold (Au-Cu alloy) films on jewelry, watches, eyewear, and craft ornaments.

Utilizing advanced magnetron sputtering technology, this system offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional electroplating. It operates under high vacuum and inert gas conditions to produce coatings that are uniform, dense, and highly adhesive, featuring the elegant romantic hue characteristic of rose gold.

System Components

  1. Vacuum Chamber: Stainless steel chamber with shielding to prevent cross-contamination.

  2. Magnetron Sputter Cathode: Equipped with high-purity Rose Gold (Au-Cu).

  3. Substrate Holder (Fixture): Rotatable work holder designed for 3D jewelry items to ensure uniform coating.

  4. Gas Control System: Precision mass flow controllers for Argon gas.

  5. Power Supply: DC or Pulsed DC power supply for stable sputtering.

  6. Control System: PLC and HMI with pre-programmed "Rose Gold" process recipes. 

Operational Guide

 Pre-Coating Preparation

  • Substrate Cleaning: Substrates must be thoroughly cleaned to remove oil and dirt. Surface roughness affects the final color difference; a mirror-polished surface is recommended for a bright, uniform red hue.

  • Target Installation: Ensure the Rose Gold target is properly bonded to the backing plate.

 Coating Process

  1. Vacuum Pumping: Load substrates and evacuate the chamber to the required base vacuum.

  2. Heating & Cleaning: (Optional) Heat substrates to outgas and perform glow discharge cleaning to enhance adhesion.

  3. Gas Injection: Inject high-purity Argon to reach working pressure. The gas ionizes to form plasma.

  4. Sputtering:

    • Set the target current (e.g., 1.0 A for Au85 targets).

    • Initiate the sputtering process. Argon ions bombard the target, ejecting atoms that deposit onto the substrate.

    • Note: Varying sputtering time within 30 minutes does not significantly affect color, but it does affect thickness 

  5. Cooling: Allow the chamber to cool before venting and removing products.

Advantages of Hongfeng VAC’ sputtering systems

  • Eco-Friendly: Replaces traditional electroplating, eliminating cyanide and heavy metal wastewater pollution.

  • Superior Adhesion: High-energy deposition creates a metallurgical bond with the substrate.

  • Color Control: Precise control of alloy composition and target current ensures consistent "Rose Gold" color (Au-Cu alloy).

  • Anti-Tarnish: The resulting film exhibits excellent anti-tarnish properties, resisting corrosion from sweat and sunlight exposure.