PVD Metals Selection Guide
Deep Coat Industries deposits six metals by vacuum metallizing (PVD), and the right ones depend on the properties you need most — conductivity, corrosion resistance, solderability, or durability. This guide maps each metal to its strengths, and how the Quad-Fire deposition process layers metals to combine properties in a single coating stack.
Most selections balance four properties: conductivity (RF shielding), reflectivity (RF shielding), corrosion/wear resistance (durability), and cost. Where one metal can’t deliver everything, layering solves it — for example, a high-conductivity shield that can withstand harsh environments.
The Six Production Metals
| Metal | Chosen for |
|---|---|
| Copper | highest conductivity → maximum RF / high-frequency shielding. |
| Aluminum | strong conductivity at low cost → general-purpose, high-volume, reflective. |
| Nickel | conductive at low frequencies → expand the range of the shield. |
| Tin | solderable, corrosion-resistant → grounded / solderable contacts. |
| Nickel/Chrome | corrosion-resistant → durable shielding in harsh environments. |
| Stainless steel | low frequency, corrosion-resistant → advanced general-purpose and high volume. |
Single-Metal vs. Multi-Layer (Quad-Fire)
One part can combine metals. Quad-Fire deposits up to four metal layers in a single draw (Dual-Fire up to two), so a design needing both maximum conductivity and a durable, groundable surface doesn’t have to compromise on one metal — no secondary operations.
How to Specify
Share the part geometry and material, the shielding goal (a dB value or a surface resistivity value), grounding requirements and contact locations, the service environment, and expected volumes. From those, Deep Coat Industries recommends a single metal, a Dual-Fire stack, or a Quad-Fire stack and applies it through a single-source process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metal is best for EMI shielding?
Copper offers the highest conductivity for RF shielding, while aluminum gives an excellent performance-to-cost balance at volume. Where low frequency shielding is also required, the shield can be layered with stainless steel, nickel, or nickel/chrome via Quad-Fire.
What is the difference between aluminum and copper coatings?
Copper is more conductive, so it delivers stronger high-frequency shielding; aluminum offers very good conductivity at lower cost — the common choice for general-purpose, high-volume coatings and reflective finishes.
Can you combine more than one metal on a part?
Yes. Quad-Fire deposits up to four metal layers in a single draw, so one part can combine, for example, a high-conductivity copper shield with a durable outer layer.
How do I choose a metal for my part?
Start from the property that matters most — conductivity, corrosion resistance, or cost — then factor in geometry, masking, and volume. Sharing your shielding goal lets Deep Coat Industries recommend a metal or a layered stack.
Get a Metal Recommendation
Send your part — STEP models, drawings, or samples. Include the shielding goal (dB or surface resistivity), grounding needs, and volumes. Call 630.466.1505 or Request a Quote.