Vacuum coatings (PVD and CVD) play a key role in modern industry - from automotive and optics, through medicine, to consumer electronics. In addition to their protective or technological function, these coatings are responsible for the aesthetics and final appearance of the products. To ensure the highest quality and color repeatability, Micro-Epsilon has created a solution dedicated to measurements in difficult process conditions - colorSENSOR CFO sensors with special CFS optics.
Micro-Epsilon solutions are available in Poland from the company WObit - the official distributor of the brand.
Color measurements in-line under extreme process conditions
The color, saturation and gloss level of vacuum coatings are extremely sensitive to changes in process parameters. Even slight deviations in the chamber can lead to visible color differences, which in many industries means the creation of expensive waste.
The answer to this problem is the controller colorSENSOR CFO in combination with specially designed measuring heads from the CFS. This kit enables continuous color measurement in in-line mode, directly inside the vacuum chamber.
The most important technical parameters of the measuring set:
High vacuum operation: stable measurements at pressures up to 10^{-5} mbar,
High temperature resistance: resistance to operating temperatures up to 600°C,
High repeatability: precision of Delta E < 0.3,
Measurement rate: sampling rate up to 30 kHz.
Thanks to such high parameters, the system enables monitoring and adjustment of process parameters in real time. This translates into stable production and a significant reduction in rejects.
Consistent color quality in PVD and CVD processes
Vacuum coatings are most often applied using two methods:
PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition): physical coating based on the evaporation or sputtering of a material.
CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition): chemical coating using reactions occurring in the process chamber.
Both processes pose completely different requirements in terms of temperature management and parameter control. Micro-Epsilon's colorSENSOR CFO sensors have been adapted to support both technologies.
Measurement data collected during the process helps maintain constant coating quality and optical properties - regardless of the material system used or the specificity of a given production line.
Micro-Epsilon sensors in the WObit offer
As an authorized distributor of Micro-Epsilon in Poland, WObit provides full technical support and assistance in selecting appropriate measurement systems for Your application.
Please contact our specialists who will help you implement precise color control in your production plant.
