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Thin Films, Coatings, and Surface Treatments

Thin Film and Coatings

Thin films, coatings, and surface treatments cover a wide range of industries and applications from medical device coatings to semiconductor to food packaging. In each of these applications a product is modified by applying a coating to improve the final characteristics of that product. It may be to improve the wear resistance of a cutting tool, scratch resistance of glass, thermal properties on sheet glass, aesthetics on home fixtures, or jewelry, or to deliver the desired reflective/refractive properties in a fiber optic cable. Whether by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), plasma enhanced coating processes, thermal/flame spray coating or some other technique, this is often the final step in the manufacturing process so it is critical that this be done quickly, accurately and consistently for maximum yield and throughput.

Application Examples:

  • Solar Cell
  • Glass Coatings
  • Semiconductor Device (Chip) Research & Production
  • Optical Fiber Research & Production
  • Metal Coatings
  • Medical Device Coatings
  • Battery Research & Production
  • Lab Grown Diamonds
  • LED / Lighting Production
  • Food Packaging
  • Fabrics & Textiles
  • Optical Coatings
  • Decorative Coatings
  • Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

VIDEO: Superior long-term MFC stability ensures more accurate gas flow control

Thin film coating operations achieve peak productivity and quality control when their deposition processes are consistently accurate and repeatable. To meet this critical need for thin film manufacturers and other industrial users, Brooks Instrument mass flow controllers (MFCs) are engineered to reach target yields with precise and stable gas flow control.

As a result, you spend less time verifying and recalibrating your mass flow controllers while maximizing system uptime with consistent production. Watch this video to see how long-term stability of a mass flow controller impacts total cost of ownership.

 

Digital instruments eBook

eBook: How digital instruments & protocols help solve thin film process challenges

To ensure ultraprecise process control, manufacturers using surface coating processes such as physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition are integrating sophisticated digital sensors and control, such as Brooks Instrument’s mass flow control and measurement technologies, into their operations. This smart technology is driving a rapid evolution in the protocols these systems use to deliver rich process data at high speeds.

This new eBook examines how these digital instruments provide maximum information density and make use of the latest high-speed communications protocols. It details how to leverage these capabilities for more focused and responsive control of current and future thin film coating and deposition processes.


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Carbon Nanotube Production Relies on Mass Flow Controllers with Superior Long-term Stability for Accuracy and Control of Multiple Gases

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have captivated scientists and engineers since their discovery in 1991, offering a glimpse into the extraordinary potential of nanotechnology. Among the myriad of factors influencing CNT production, precise control of gas flows stands out as a critical determinant of quality and yield. This is where Brooks Instrument mass flow controllers (MFCs) come into play, enabling researchers and manufacturers to unlock the full potential of carbon nanotubes.

Application Note

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Lab Grown Diamond Manufacturers Increase Yields, and Reduce Process Time with Stable Gas Flow Delivery and Accurate Pressure Control

Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth when carbon atoms crystallize under intense heat and pressure. Some stones take shape in a matter of weeks or months, while others take billions of years to materialize. With recent advances in chemical science, several process technologies can now replicate the synthesis of diamonds in a controlled reactor or lab environment in just four weeks.

Application Note

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Glass Coating Manufacturers Increase Productivity with Stable, Reliable Gas Flow Delivery and Low-pressure Control

Low emissivity (low-e) glass coatings are used on architectural glass worldwide to improve energy efficiency and help lower the carbon footprint of a building. A highly automated process produces and applies the coatings to the glass, which relies on consistent, accurate, and stable gas flow and vacuum control.

Application Note

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Titanium Nitride Coating Using CVD Process

Coatings are often applied to metal parts like drill bits, cutting tools, knives, gears and bearings to improve wear resistance and extend the life of the product.

Application Note

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