SIDRABE Inc. has been working with vacuum coating of various particulate materials since 1969. The works included:
encapsulation of particles for solid fuel, copper deposition onto graphite powder for heavy-duty electrical brushes, coating diamond grit for abrasive tool manufacture.
Depending on the material nature and targeted coating, the Company developed various process flowsheets for layers deposition onto:
- falling powder curtain;
- gravitational layer of powder, transported by vibration;
- dense layer, formed by centrifugal forces and mixed mechanically.
Thermal evaporation and magnetron sputtering sources have been developed, tested and field-proven. Available experimental equipment and accumulated expertise allowed the Company to intensify and expand the works during recent years. Level of the works is ranging from laboratory operating models to pilot and production Coaters. Recent and current projects include coating mica flakes, metal and non-metal particles, granules and powders for subsequent manufacture of unique materials, e.g. color shift pigments, which can be used for painting automobiles, decorative coating of plastics and ceramics.
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