What Does
Ion Vapor Deposition (IVD) Mean?
Ion vapor deposition (IVD) is a physical vapor deposition process for applying pure aluminum coatings to various substrates and components, mainly for corrosion protection. The process is carried out in a vacuum vessel that is available in various sizes.
The process creates a clean, safe and environmentally friendly finishing system. It is a suitable alternative to cadmium plating processes, which are toxic and cause pollution.
Because IVD aluminum is a replacement for cadmium plating, the largest use of IVD aluminum is for corrosion protection of ferrous alloy parts. The IVD aluminum-coating process is also qualified for use on copper-based, stainless steel and titanium-based alloys.
Corrosionpedia Explains Ion Vapor Deposition (IVD)
Ion vapor deposition (IVD) of aluminum is a vacuum-plating process which deposits pure aluminum on nearly any metal to prevent corrosion. The process was originally developed as a replacement for cadmium plating on steel. The important advantages of this coating over cadmium are that it is non-toxic and safe to apply. In this process, the evaporated plating material is ionized and forms an adherent coating. It is suitable for a variety of substrates such as aluminum, steel and titanium.
IVD provides excellent coating coverage and uniformity. It is not limited to line-of-sight coverage and can produce coatings several mils thick. IVD aluminum coating does not build up or run off sharp edges, regardless of thickness.
Benefits of IVD include:
- Increases corrosion resistance
- Raises useful operating temperature
- Provides galvanic compatibility with aluminum structures
- Suitable for various substrates
- Environmentally safe for waste disposal
The IVD process is similar in sequence to conventional plating operations, requiring preparation, processing and finishing operations in order to correctly process parts.
IVD aluminum on steel provides excellent sacrificial corrosion resistance without detriment to the strength levels of high-strength steel alloys. The absence of hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking in these materials results in lower cost processing and higher usable strength levels.