Abstract: A brake disk formed of a light weight ceramic and ceramic composite materials, the brake disk having a coating overlying at least a portion of the brake disk. The brake disk includes parallel surfaces wherein at least a portion of the parallel surfaces are coated with a coating material to increase wear and decrease corrosion. The coating over the brake disk includes multiple layers of the coating material, wherein the coating material includes coating material particles configured to construct a pattern of repetition that is consistent with a lattice structure when applied over the parallel surfaces of the brake disk.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate on one or more sides having catalytically active material producible by material deposition under vacuum in a vacuum chamber, using the following steps: loading a substrate in the chamber evacuating the chamber, cleaning the substrate by introducing a gaseous reducing agent, removing the gaseous reducing agent, applying an intermediate layer by means of vacuum arc evaporation, wherein a substrate comprising the same or similar material is introduced into the vacuum chamber, controlling the chamber temperature, coating by vacuum arc evaporation, a metal taken from the group ruthenium, iridium, titanium and mixtures thereof while oxygen is supplied, in a last step the coated substrate is removed from the chamber, wherein at least 99% of the substrate coating is free of constituents originally contained in the substrate itself, and at least 99% of the coating applied on the intermediate layer is kept free of non-oxidized metals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filtered cathodic-arc ion source that reduces, or even eliminates, macroparticles while minimally compromising the compact size, simplicity, and high flux ion production benefits of unfiltered cathodic-arc sources. Magnetic and electrostatic forces are implemented in a compact way to guide ions along curved trajectories between the cathode source and the workpiece area such that macroparticles, which are minimally affected by these forces and travel in straight lines, are inhibited from reaching the workpieces. The present invention implements this filtering technique in a device that is compact, symmetrical and easy to manufacture and operate and which does not substantially compromise coating deposition rate, area, or uniformity.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite polymer/nanoporous film system and methods of fabrication of tunable nanoporous coatings on flexible polymer substrates. The porosity of the nanoporous film can be tuned during fabrication to a desired value by adjusting the deposition conditions. Experiments show that SiO2 coatings with tunable porosity fabricated by oblique-angle electron beam deposition can be deposited on polymer substrates. These conformable coatings have many applications, including in the field of optics where the ability to fabricate tunable refractive index coatings on a variety of materials and shapes is of great importance.

Abstract: In a vacuum are evaporation apparatus, to stably maintain vacuum arc discharge at an arc source when depositing a cathode material on a substrate, namely a magnetic recording medium, an ungrounded anode of a coil-type tube is placed inside an are source discharge vacuum chamber. A DC are power supply is connected between the cathode and the anode to cause an are current to flow in the anode to generate a first magnetic field in one direction, from the cathode toward the anode. A second magnetic field is generated in the opposite direction, from the anode to the cathode by feeding a specified current to an external coil positioned around the discharge chamber. The external coil includes an around-cathode coil and an around-anode coil. The arc discharge can be started by operating a striker to carry out the deposition.

Abstract: Vacuum treatment installation or vacuum treatment method for carrying out a plasma method, wherein the treatment is carried out in a vacuum chamber, in which are disposed a device for generating an electric low voltage arc discharge (NVBE) comprised of a cathode and an anode electrically interconnectable with the cathode via an arc generator, and a workpiece carrier electrically interconnectable with a bias generator for receiving and moving workpieces, as well as at least one feed for inert and/or reactive gas. At least a portion of the surface of the anode is therein fabricated of graphite and is operated at high temperature.

Abstract: A filter for filtering macro-particles from a plasma beam, having a bended duct for carriage of the plasma beam, the bended duct comprising an intermediate portion connected at one end to an inlet portion having a longitudinal axis disposed on an inlet plane and at another opposite end to an outlet portion having a longitudinal axis disposed on an outlet plane. The inlet portion allows the plasma beam containing macro-particles to travel toward the intermediate portion in an incident direction and the outlet portion allows the plasma beam to travel from the intermediate portion in an emergent direction. The intermediate portion is configured to deviate the incident direction to the emergent direction at an angle of more than 90° and thereby remove macro-particles from the plasma beam as it passes through the intermediate portion. The inlet plane and outlet plane are disposed at an offset angle from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an evaporator for coating a substrate by means of an arc in a vacuum chamber (10) in the case of low-pressure arc evaporation, wherein the vacuum chamber (10) has at least one evaporator, which comprises a target material (20), reactive gas supply lines (53, 54) for supplying reactive gas, and a vacuum pump, wherein the evaporator comprising the target material (20) serves as the cathode and the inner wall (36) of the vacuum chamber (10) serves as the anode between which the arc is generated. According to the invention, high-melting point metal is used as the target material (20) for catalysis, and the pressure in the vacuum chamber (20) during coating is at least 0.5 Pa, in particular at least 3 Pa, preferably 5 Pa. A layer of catalytically active metal having a high oxygen content is formed on the substrate.

Abstract: A brake disk formed of a light weight ceramic and ceramic composite materials, the brake disk having a coating overlying at least a portion of the brake disk. The brake disk includes parallel surfaces wherein at least a portion of the parallel surfaces are coated with a coating material to increase wear resistance and decrease corrosion. The coating over the brake disk includes multiple layers of the coating material, wherein the coating material includes coating material particles configured to construct a pattern of repetition that is consistent with a lattice structure when applied over the parallel surfaces of the brake disk.

Abstract: A method of producing hard wear resistant layer with improved wear resistance. The method is a reactive arc-evaporation based process using a cathode including as main constituent at least one phase of a refractory compound Mn+1AXn (n=1, 2 or 3), wherein M is one or more metals selected from the groups IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB and VIIB of the periodic table of elements, A is one or more elements selected from the groups IIIA, IVA, VA and VIA of the periodic table of elements, and wherein X is carbon and/or nitrogen.

Abstract: A method for depositing a thin film for a magnetic recording medium includes the steps of placing a substrate for a recording medium having a magnetic recording layer thereon on a substrate holder rotatably arranged within a film deposition chamber; and supplying a plasma beam from a plasma beam formation portion to the film deposition chamber so as to form a thin film of ta-C on the magnetic recording layer. In supplying the plasma beam, an inclination angle formed by a normal line to a surface of the magnetic recording layer and a plane orthogonal to a direction of incidence of the plasma beam is changed from a minimum inclination angle to a maximum inclination angle according to an increase in film thickness of the ta-C thin film.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a coating device for depositing of barrier layers on a plastic substrate comprising a first coating station for depositing a first layer comprising a metal and a second coating station for depositing a second layer comprising a resin, wherein a treatment station for treating the deposited first layer is arranged between the first and the second coating stations which comprises sputter means for depositing one or several atomic layers or isles of deposition material. The invention further refers to an appropriate method which can be carried out by the coating device and to a layer system produced thereby.

Abstract: A method for forming a diamond-like carbon (DLC) layer on air bearing surface (ABS) of a slider, comprises steps of: providing sliders arranged in arrays, each slider having an ABS; forming a mixing layer in the ABS of the slider by depositing a first DLC layer on the ABS, the mixing layer consisting of the slider material and the first DLC layer material; removing the first DLC layer to make the mixing layer exposed; forming a second DLC layer on the mixing layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a magnetic device includes forming a protective film above a structure, wherein at least one of hydrogen and water vapor are introduced into a formation chamber during formation of the protective film. In-another embodiment, a magnetic head includes at least one of: a read element, a write element, a heater element, and a resistance detector element above a substrate, conductive terminals for each of the at least one of: the read element, the write element, and the heater element, and a protective film above the at least one of: the read element, the write element, and the heater element, wherein the protective film comprises at least one of hydrogen and water vapor.

Abstract: A catalyst free process for manufacturing carbon nanotubes by inducing an arc discharge from a vein graphite anode and a vein graphite cathode in an inert gas atmosphere contained in a closed vessel. The process is carried out at atmospheric pressure in the absence of external cooling mechanism for the carbon cathode or the carbon anode.

Abstract: There is provided a conductive sliding film applied to a surface of a member which moves slidably relative to other member, the conductive sliding film being formed of a metal-doped tetrahedral amorphous carbon which is doped with a metal element, wherein resistivity of the conductive sliding film is within a range of 102 to 10?4 [?cm] and surface hardness of the conductive sliding film is within a range of 10 to 30 [GPa]. The conductive sliding film has high wear resistance and satisfactory slidability, and is suitable for a mount member for a camera.

Abstract: In these investigations, an attempt has been made to correlate the deposition parameters of the reactive cathodic arc evaporation with processes at the surface of the composite Al—Cr targets and the nucleation and phase formation of the synthesized Al—Cr—O layers. The oxygen partial pressure and the pulsed operation of the arc current influence the formation of intermetallic phases and solid solutions at the target surface. The nucleation of the ternary oxides at the substrate site appears to be, to some extent, controllable by the intermetallics or solid solutions formed at the target surface. A specific nucleation process at substrate site can therefore be induced by the free choice of target composition in combination with the partial pressure of the oxygen reactive gas. It also allows the control over the oxide island growth at the target surface which occurs occasionally at higher oxygen partial pressure.

Abstract: A coating based on diamond-like is formed from a plurality of films of diamond-like carbon formed alternatingly over one another and in this respect a film in which no portion or only a much lower portion of doped fluorine is contained. A film in which fluorine or at least fluorine with a higher portion than the film arranged thereunder or thereabove are formed alternatingly over one another. The coating could be manufactured by using a target of pure carbon. Films are deposited on a surface of a substrate by means of a PVD process, with the portion of fluorine contained in doped form. Films are formed alternately being varied by varying a supplied volume flow of a fluorine/carbon compound or sulfur/fluorine compound as a precursor.

Abstract: A liquid immersion member holds liquid between the liquid immersion member and an object such that an optical path of exposure light applied to the object is filled with the liquid, thereby forming a liquid immersion space. In the liquid immersion member, an amorphous carbon film is formed on at least a part of a region coming into contact with the liquid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for applying metallic, ceramic or composite thin film coatings onto parts, components and tools (e.g. gas turbine engine compressor blades or cutting tools) by a cathodic arc deposition technique. The method and the apparatus allows for a continually changing structure of the applied film by nanoimplanting atoms, molecules, compounds or other chemical species and structures of different materials thus coating a substrate during a single process. Furthermore, during the same process it allows for creating a coating with specific parameters as required. For instance: hardness, smoothness, corrosion resistance, erosion resistance.

Abstract: An arc plasma source 101 for evaporating a cathode material of a cathode 22 by arc discharge controlled by a magnetic field, comprising a magnetic field forming mechanism 42 arranged outside the cathode for forming a magnetic field M in parallel to the center axis of the cathode near an evaporation surface 22a; a supporting mechanism 26 for supporting the cathode; a cooling mechanism 61 for cooling the cathode; and a tapered ring 64 being truncated cone shaped and having a through-hole into which the cathode penetrates along the axial direction of the through-hole, the tapered ring being arranged to be tapered toward the evaporation surface of the cathode; wherein the tapered ring is made of a ferromagnetic material and the front end of the tapered ring is positioned coplanar with the evaporation surface of the cathode or is positioned posterior to the evaporation surface in use.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing electrodes for electrolysis, including the steps of forming an arc ion plating undercoating layer comprising valve metal or valve metal alloy including a crystalline tantalum component and a crystalline titanium component on the surface of the electrode substrate comprising valve metal or valve metal alloy, by an arc ion plating method; heat sintering the electrode substrate to transform only the tantalum component of the arc ion plating undercoating layer into an amorphous substance; and forming an electrode catalyst layer on the surface of the arc ion plating undercoating layer including the valve metal or valve metal alloy including the tantalum component transformed to the amorphous substance and the crystalline titanium component.

Abstract: To manufacture a thermal barrier coating structure on a substrate surface, a working chamber having a plasma torch is provided, a plasma jet is generated in that a plasma gas is conducted through the plasma torch and is heated therein by means of electric gas discharge, electromagnetic induction or microwaves, and the plasma jet is directed to the surface of a substrate introduced into the working chamber. To manufacture the thermal barrier coating, a voltage is additionally applied between the plasma torch and the substrate to generate an arc between the plasma torch and the substrate and the substrate surface is cleaned by means of the light arc, wherein the substrate remains in the working chamber after the arc cleaning and an oxide layer is generated on the cleaned substrate surface and a thermal barrier coating is applied by means of a plasma spray process.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer includes an ion source, which includes a coating or surface formed of a metallic carbide, a metallic boride, a ceramic or DLC, or an ion-implanted transition metal.

Abstract: A method of making a coated metal article comprises (a) forming a hardcoat layer on at least a portion of a surface of a metal or metalized substrate by physical vapor deposition; (b) forming a tie layer comprising silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen on at least a portion of the surface of the hardcoat layer by plasma deposition; and (c) applying an at least partially fluorinated composition comprising at least one silane group to at least a portion of the surface of the tie layer.

Abstract: In a member having a hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating having a relatively smooth surface, similarly amorphous, fine carbon particles are dispersed in the hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating to have improved cracking resistance while keeping smoothness on the surface and hardness in the entire coating. Specifically, fine particles discharged from a carbon cathode of an arc evaporation source by arc discharge are introduced into the coating, so that similarly amorphous, fine carbon particles are dispersed in the hydrogen-containing, amorphous carbon coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for the application of coatings in a vacuum comprising a plasma duct surrounded by a magnetic deflecting system communicating with a first plasma source and a coating chamber in which a substrate holder is arranged off of an optical axis of the plasma source, has at least one deflecting electrode mounted on one or more walls of the plasma duct. In one embodiment an isolated repelling or repelling electrode is positioned in the plasma duct downstream of the deflecting electrode where the tangential component of a deflecting magnetic field is strongest, connected to the positive pole of a current source which allows the isolated electrode current to be varied independently and increased above the level of the anode current. The deflecting electrode may serve as a getter pump to improve pumping efficiency and divert metal ions from the plasma flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cuffing insert for turning in heat resistant superalloys and stainless steels comprising a very fine grained hard substrate and a coating. The substrate comprises WC from about 5 to about 8 wt % Co and from about 0.3 to about 1.5 wt % Cr. In addition to that ppm levels of Ti and Ta are present. The ratio of Me/Co=(at-% Ti+ at-% Nb+ at-% Ta)/at-% Co is lower than or equal to about 0.014?(CW_Cr)*0.008 and higher than about 0.0005. The average sintered WC-grain size is from about 0.5 to about 0.95 ?m and CW_Cr from about 0.75 to about 0.95. The cemented carbide body is coated with a PVD TixAl1-xN-coating with an average composition of x being greater than about 0.4 but less than about 0.9, present as a single or multilayer coating with a total thickness of from about 1 to about 6 ?m.

Abstract: Methods of heat treating at least one component of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system. The method includes heating the at least one component with a rapid thermal process, wherein the rapid thermal process heats at least a portion of the component at a rate of approximately 50° C./sec or more.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for improved utilization of a sputter target in the longitudinal end regions. The focus of erosion in the end regions is widened, thereby extending the useful life of the target. This provides improved efficiency and reduces waste because a greater proportion of the target material in the more expansive central region can be harvested, because the target is utilized for a longer period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston ring comprising a supporting material and a wear-resistant coating. The wear-resistant coating is composed of a ternary system A-B—N which is applied using a PVD process and in which A and B each represent an element form the group encompassing Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo W, Al, Si and C, wherein A?B and N represents nitrogen. The thickness of the wear-resistant coating amounts to ?3 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting tool for metal machining with improved wear properties, comprising a cutting tool substrate of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics or a super hard material, and a wear resistant coating, wherein the wear resistant coating comprises a PVD Ti—Si—C—N layer, and a method of making thereof.

Abstract: A method for applying a coating by a cathodic is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a cathodic arc coater that includes a power source and utilizes a disk-shaped cathode, the cathode having an evaporative surface extending between a first end surface and a second end surface, wherein the evaporative surface has an area; b) determining a maximum acceptable power density for the evaporative surface; and c) applying a magnitude of electrical current from the power source to the cathode, wherein the electrical current magnitude divided by the area is equal to or less than the maximum acceptable power density for the evaporative surface.

Abstract: A process for surface treating aluminum or aluminum alloy comprises the following steps. Providing a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The substrate is treated with a chemical conversion treatment solution containing molybdate as the main film forming agent, to form a molybdate conversion film on the substrate. Then, a ceramic coating comprising refractory compound is formed on the molybdate conversion film by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of magnesium alloy comprises providing a substrate made of magnesium alloy. The substrate is then treated with a chemical conversion treatment solution containing oleic acid as a main film forming agent, to form an oleic acid conversion film on the substrate. A ceramic coating comprising refractory metal compound is next formed on the cerium conversion film by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A process for treating the surface of magnesium alloy comprises providing a substrate made of magnesium alloy. The substrate is then treated with a chemical conversion treatment solution containing cerium nitrate and potassium permanganate as main film forming agents, to form a cerium conversion film on the substrate. A ceramic coating comprising refractory metal compound is next formed on the cerium conversion film by physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: A process for repairing a workpiece includes the steps of: providing a workpiece having at least one interior surface requiring restoration; providing a source of repair material; and depositing the repair material onto the at least one interior surface using a technique which is a near non-line of sight technique.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the production of coatings by physical vapor deposition (PVD), wherein a binary target or a target with more than two constituents is evaporated in a curvilinear cathodic arc discharge, causing the ions with different masses (elements) to be splitted and the ion splitting results in variations for the ratio of the different masses (elements) at different positions in the deposition chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of coating a substrate, with the method comprising: providing a substrate; dispersing nanodiamond powder in a liquid to provide a coating precursor; converting the liquid of the coating precursor to a vapor; introducing the coating precursor to a vapor deposition process; and operating the vapor deposition process to produce a nanocrystalline diamond-containing nanocomposite coating on the substrate, the nanocomposite coating produced using the coating precursor and comprising the nanodiamond particles.

Abstract: A method for producing a low-conductivity layer on at least one workpiece by vacuum coating is provided. The method includes operating an electrical arc discharge between an anode and a cathode of an arc source in an atmosphere containing a reactive gas. A small external magnetic field is generated to be essentially perpendicular to a target surface of a target, which is electrically connected to the cathode, to assist an evaporation process. A degree of recoating of the target surface by other coating sources in a vacuum coating installation is less than 10%, and the magnetic field is generated by a magnet system with an axially-polarized coil having a geometry similar in size to that of the target. Excitation current for the electrical arc discharge is supplied through the axially-polarized coil.

Abstract: A hard laminated Mm wherein a layer A and a layer B having specific compositions are deposited alternately so that the compositions of layer A and layer B are different. The thickness of layer A per layer is twice or more the thickness of layer B per layer, the thickness of layer B per layer is 5 nm or more, and the thickness of layer A per layer is 200 nm or less.

Abstract: A method for carbon deposition using a pulsed, plasma-supported vacuum arc discharge, having an anode, a target cathode made of carbon, a pulsed energy source and at least two ignition units. The at least two ignition units are positioned in the edge area of target cathode and each have two planar metallic electrodes and a planar ceramic insulator positioned between the electrodes. The planar shape of ignition units and their positioning on target cathode enables homogeneous utilization of the entire target surface and homogeneous coating of workpieces.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert for machining by chip removal includes a body of a hard alloy of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics, cubic boron nitride based material or high speed steel, onto which a hard and wear resistant coating is deposited by physical vapour deposition. The coating includes a polycrystalline nanolaminated structure of alternating layers A and B where layer A is (Ti,Al,Me1)N and Me1 is optionally one or more of the metal elements from group 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the periodic table, layer B is (Ti,Si,Me2)N and Me2 is optionally one or more of the metal elements from group 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the periodic table including Al with a thickness between 0.5 and 20 ?m and method of making the same. This insert is particularly useful in metal cutting applications generating high temperatures with improved edge integrity, machining of super alloys, stainless and hardened steels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cutting tool insert comprising a body of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics, high speed steel (HSS), polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN), a hard and wear resistant coating is applied, grown by physical vapour deposition (PVD) such as cathodic arc evaporation or magnetron sputtering. Said coating comprises at least one layer of (ZrxAl1-x)N with of 0.45<x<0.85 and 0.90?y<1.30 with a thickness between 0.5 and 10 ?m. Said layer has a nanocrystalline microstructure consisting of a single cubic phase or a mixture of hexagonal and cubic phases. The insert is particularly useful in metal cutting applications generating high temperatures with improved crater wear resistance.

Abstract: A cutting tool insert for machining by chip removal includes a body of polycrystalline cubic boron nitride compact (PCBN), either as a solid insert or attached to a backing body, onto which a hard and wear resistant PVD coating is deposited. The coating includes a polycrystalline nanolaminated structure of alternating A and B layers, where layer A is (Ti,Al,Me1)N and Me1 is one or more of the metal elements from group 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the periodic table, layer B is (Ti,Si,Me2)N and Me2 is one or more of the metal elements from group 3, 4, 5 or 6 in the periodic table including Al with a thickness between 0.5 and 10 ?m. The insert is particularly useful in metal cutting applications generating high temperatures, e.g., high speed machining of steels, cast irons, super alloys and hardened steels.

Abstract: A PVD coating is disclosed, and in particular a nanoscale multilayer superlattice PVD coating comprising high hardness, a low friction coefficient and increased chemical inertness. The multilayer coating comprises a repeating bilayer represented by (VxMe(i-x))CyN(i-y)/(MezV(1-z))CyN(i-y) where 0.1?x?0.9; 0.01<y<0.99 and 0.1?z?0.9 and Me is a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. The composition of the coating through the layers alternates from layer to layer according to a V-rich layer and a Me-rich layer modulated sequence. Vanadium is incorporated within the layer composition and has been found to act as a lubricating agent during sliding wear. Carbon, also incorporated within the coating, serves to further stabilize the friction coefficient thereby increasing the chemical inertness between cutting tool and workpiece material.

Abstract: In an arc ion plating method, the target is divided into a central portion and longitudinal end portions at both longitudinal ends of the central portion. A constituent material of the target is evaporated and ionized by vacuum arc discharge using the target as a cathode, wherein the position of an arc spot on a surface of the target is controlled such that the consuming speed of the longitudinal end portions becomes higher than that of the central portion, whereby at least one of the longitudinal end portions will reach its consumption limit before the target central portion reaches its consumption limit. Only the respective longitudinal end portion that has reached its consumption limit is thereafter replaced, and the film forming step is continued.

Abstract: Provided is an arc evaporation source wherein film-forming speed is increased by inducing magnetic lines in the substrate direction. The arc evaporation source is provided with: at least one outer circumferential magnet (3), which is disposed such that the outer circumferential magnet surrounds the outer circumference of a target (2) and that the magnetization direction thereof is in the direction orthogonally intersecting the surface of the target (2); and a rear surface magnet (4) disposed on the rear surface side of the target (2). The rear surface magnet (4) has a non-ring-shaped first permanent magnet (4A) wherein the polarity thereof faces the same direction as the polarity of the outer circumferential magnet (3) and the magnetization direction of the rear surface magnet (4) is in the direction orthogonally intersecting the surface of the target (2).

Abstract: A coated cemented carbide insert is particularly useful for milling of cast iron, methods for making the insert, and methods of their use are disclosed. The insert is formed by a composition of the substrate of about 5-7 wt % Co, about 0.05-20 wt % total amount of the metals selected from the group consisting of Ti, Nb, Ta and combination thereof, and balance WC with a coercivity (Hc) of 1 about 4-19 kA/m and an S-value of about 0.81-0.96. The coating includes a homogeneous layer of (TixAl1-x)N, where x is between about 0.25 and abut 0.50 with a crystal structure of NaCl type and a total thickness of between about 1.0 and about 5.0 ?m as measured on the middle of the flank face.

Abstract: A puck for providing a coating material in a cathodic arc coating system has a generally uniform depression formed at the outer periphery. The depression ensures that an arc from the coating apparatus will move uniformly about the outer periphery of the puck, such that a coating cloud will also be uniformly applied to parts to be coated.