Custom Deposition Systems

Even with the wide variety of deposition technologies and systems available, certain advanced research or proprietary production recipes demand customized deposition systems. PVD is committed to collaboration and to building systems to meet our customers’ specific needs. Drivers for customization can include:

Substrates, sources and targets
Variety of coatings required
Complexity of coatings required
Need for multiple deposition methods
Space limitations
Existing technology integration
Coating run frequency

Our engineering team will work with you to develop your requirements and design a system that precisely meets your research or production needs.

Why Choose Custom Deposition Systems?

Choosing a custom deposition system is often a necessity when standard, off-the-shelf equipment fails to meet the specific technical demands of advanced research or high-end manufacturing.

Standard units frequently lack the flexibility to accommodate unique substrate sizes ranging from 5mm samples to 300mm wafers or specialized roll-to-roll processing.

Furthermore, custom engineering is essential for developing complex multi-layer combinatorial coatings that require precise control, or for integrating multiple deposition techniques, such as PLD, sputtering, and evaporation, into a single, cohesive system.

Beyond the technical process, custom systems and equipment address specific environmental variables like unique gas compositions, extreme pressure ranges, and precise temperature requirements that standard models cannot support.

They also ensure seamless integration with a facility’s existing technology and can be designed to fit within the rigid space constraints of established cleanrooms or laboratories.

PVD Products specializes in these custom-engineered thin film deposition systems, serving the diverse needs of researchers and manufacturers across North America and around the world.

Custom Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD)

PLD systems use a laser beam to vaporize a solid target material in order to produce a thin film with exactly the same chemical composition as the original target material. The PLD process enables the deposition of many complex materials over a wide range of background gas compositions and pressures. Many types of lasers, including ps and fs lasers, can be utilized.

Alternative techniques such as Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) and Resonant IR Pulsed Laser Evaporation systems are available with appropriate lasers. PVD Products offers a wide variety of PLD systems for substrates ranging in size from 5 mm square up to 200 mm in diameter. We also can provide PLD systems for roll-to-roll applications.

Custom Sputtering Deposition

Sputtering systems use a plasma to generate positive ions that collide with the target, dislodging material. The resulting vapor condenses onto the substrate, creating a thin film. PVD Products manufactures complete integrated sputtering systems to meet customers’ specific deposition requirements. Available technologies include magnetron, ion-beam, and combinatorial sputtering. The sputtering chamber may be fitted with additional ports for diagnostic tools such as Residual Gas Analysis (RGA), Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction (RHEED), ellipsometry, or Multi-Beam Optical Sensors (MOSS) for in-situ stress measurement. A wide range of magnetron source options are available including RF, DC, HiPIMS, and pulsed DC magnetrons for metallic or reactive sputtering targets, in-situ tilt, and target sizes ranging from 25 mm to 100 mm in diameter. Substrate stages for wafers up to 300 mm in diameter are available with heating to 850°C.

Custom Evaporation Deposition

Evaporation systems use direct heat to vaporize the metallic source material. PVD Products offers a range of evaporation techniques to meet customers’ specific deposition needs, including Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD), Ion Beam Assisted Evaporation, and thermal evaporation. These systems can contain single or multiple thermal sources, multi-pocket e-beam sources, and multi-gun sources as required. Linear e-beam sources are also available.

Custom Deposition Equipment

Custom Deposition Equipment from PVD Products is purpose-built to support advanced thin film research and specialized manufacturing applications. Each system is engineered from the ground up to align with specific deposition methods, materials, substrates, and process parameters, ensuring precise control and consistent performance. By combining modular system architecture with deep process expertise, PVD Products delivers solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing workflows while remaining adaptable to future requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to design and build a Custom Deposition System?

Timeline varies based on complexity, typically 6-18 months from initial consultation to installation. Contact our engineering team at (978) 694-9455 for project-specific estimates.

Where are PVD Products Custom Deposition Systems manufactured?

PVD Products manufactures custom deposition systems at our headquarters in Wilmington, Massachusetts, located at 35 Upton Drive, Suite 200, Wilmington, MA 01887. We serve customers across North America, and internationally.

Do you provide installation and training?

Every custom system includes on-site installation, commissioning, comprehensive operator training, and process training. Extended training programs are available for complex systems.

Can I get a system delivered to my location outside the U.S.A.?

Yes. PVD Products ships Custom Deposition Systems worldwide with export compliance, customs support, and international installation services. Our global support network ensures ongoing service regardless of location.

How do I know if I need a Custom Deposition System vs. a standard system?

If your application involves unusual substrate sizes, multiple deposition techniques, proprietary processes, extreme temperatures, specific gas environments, or integration with existing equipment, a custom system is likely needed. Contact our engineering team to help assess your needs.

Can deposition systems be used for production manufacturing?

Yes. PVD Products designs both R&D systems and production-scale systems with load-locks, automation, high-throughput capabilities, and process monitoring for commercial manufacturing environments.

Are your systems cleanroom compatible?

Yes. Systems can be designed for Class 100-10,000 cleanroom environments with appropriate materials, footprint optimization, and integration with cleanroom infrastructure.

In which industries does PVD Products provide Custom Deposition Systems?

PVD Products create custom deposition systems for semiconductor manufacturing, superconductor production, photovoltaics, optical coatings, energy storage, sensors, medical devices, aerospace, and materials research across universities and national laboratories.

Can custom systems be integrated with existing equipment?

Yes. PVD Products engineers systems to interface with existing vacuum systems, transfer chambers, glove boxes, and analytical equipment. We work with your facility constraints and existing technology.

How do I get started with a custom system quote?

Contact PVD Products at (978) 694-9455 or contact@pvdproducts.com. Our engineering team will schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements, substrate sizes, materials, throughput needs, and budget to develop a customized proposal.

What is a Custom Deposition System?

A custom deposition system is a specialized thin film equipment solution designed to meet specific research or production requirements that standard systems cannot accommodate. These systems are engineered with unique chamber configurations, deposition sources, substrate handling, and process controls tailored to your exact specifications.

Still have questions?

Learn more about thin film deposition from our team of experts by reading our FAQs.

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Custom Deposition Systems