Improved Equipment Productivity Increases Applications for Ion Vapor Deposition of Aluminum

Aluminum coatings by ion vapor deposition (IVD) represent the leading edge of finishing technology. IVD equipment has achieved the status of a proven production process offering both reliability and cost effectiveness.

The process was originally developed to protect steel against corrosion without hydrogen embrittlement and to prevent exfoliation corrosion of the countersinks in aluminum structure joined with steel fasteners. However, the IVD process and aluminum coating are extremely versatile, and the variety of applications has greatly expanded. Operating experience over the past decade has led to equipment and process refinements. Increased throughput and greater reliability of the IVD equipment (called Ivadizers®) have improved productivity leading to cost effective production operations.

The growing number of IVD installations include aerospace manufacturers and military overhaul facilities. In addition to the United States, coating facilities have been established in France, England, Canada, Japan and Australia. These facilities include independent job shops which offer contract coating service.