Abstract: An apparatus for and method of coating a three-dimensional shaped-part surface by the cathodic atomization of target material from two, facing, magnetically-concentrating cathodic atomization devices applies a voltage, which is negative with respect to ground and of such magnitude that touching of the plasma clouds from the devices is facilitated to the shaped part.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of coating shaped parts having a three-dimensional coating surface by the cathodic atomization of target material of a first cathode arrangement. The cathode arrangement comprises a magnetic field generator for the concentration of a first discharge space (plasma cloud) in the zone of the target surface by means of a first magnetic field (plasma trap), which is spatially closed with respect to the target. According to the invention and for the purpose of producing a uniform coating even on parts of complicated shape, it is proposed that, on their side disposed opposite the first cathode arrangement, the shaped parts should be simultaneously subjected to the atomizing action of a second cathode arrangement with the same target material.