Overview
The Thin Coatings Laboratory is part of the TALTECH Institute of Mechanics and Industrial Engineering and focuses on the production of coatings using PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods. The laboratory serves both research projects and industrial companies. It also provides mechanical design services.
Main activities
– Research on hard and wear-resistant coatings
– Deposition of PVD hard coatings for commercial clients
– Equipment design
– Support for research and development projects
– Student supervision
Deposition of Hard Coatings
Surface preparation of workpieces
Removal of old coatings chemically and/or with vapor, vacuum cleaning. Polishing is also possible.
Deposition
Deposition of mono- and multilayer PVD coatings using TiN, TiCN, TiAlN, TiAlCN, CrN, and AlCrN with a PVD system.
Quality control
Measurement of coating thickness, hardness, and roughness; organization of surface structure studies.
Design work
Mechanical design
We prepare 3D models and drawings of the equipment in development.
Equipment Construction
We organize prototype manufacturing.
Collaboration
Internal collaboration within TalTech provides access to significant opportunities for developing new products using more advanced technologies.
Projects
The laboratory participates in TalTech and industry development projects and contributes to applications for new externally funded projects. Previous projects include support for the development of an X-ray generator, advancement of 3D printing technology for implant production, studies of wear mechanisms of diamond coatings, and the development of technologies for recycling textile and electronic waste.
Research and Scientific Work
PECVD
Deposition of carbon coatings using the PECVD method, thermal treatment of materials.
Nanoindentation
Nanoindentation tests, scratch tests.
AFM
Studies using atomic force microscopy.
