Physical vapor deposition (PVD) has expanded over the past several decades. More sophisticated manufacturing and fabrication techniques and smaller-size products have broadened the demand for vapor-deposited materials. A variety of new and existing products requires properties that best can be delivered by vacuum-deposited films on an expanding variety of substrates.

The goal of PVD is to impart specific properties to a surface to change or alter its characteristics. Major reasons for depositing coatings and materials are to improve performance, create unique properties and reduce costs. It usually is less expensive to modify the surface of an existing component than to substitute a more expensive one.

This updated BCC report examines the current position of PVD technologies and materials used in key industries. The study focuses on the materials and types of PVD systems being used to meet demands for more sophisticated products. Analysis is made of the major types of PVD systems and materials used to manufacture products in seven key industries.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• An overview of deposition technologies and future trends
• A discussion of applications and the properties imparted by PVD
• A review and assessment of demand trends and their impact on PVD
• Identification of market drivers within each industry
• Analysis of materials deposited by PVD by their basic functions, such as wear-resistance, abrasion and corrosion-resistance, conductivity and barrier protection
• Market projections of PVD equipment shipments within each industry by type of system through 2010
• Market projections of material shipments along with PVD service revenues through 2010
• Details of the worldwide industry structure including leading providers of equipment and services.

METHODOLOGY

BCC presents an analysis of the value of PVD systems, materials deposited and services provided by type of system, material and industry segment. Estimated value is what manufacturers and material providers have paid in current dollars. Then, based on its surveys, BCC analyzes industry growth in relation to the growth of PVD technology, calculates estimates of growth and forecasts shipments for 2010.

INFORMATION SOURCES

BCC interviewed approximately 110 companies to obtain data for this report. Included were manufacturers of PVD equipment, materials suppliers, deposition service providers, industrial and consumer product manufacturing companies and various end users of products fabricated using the PVD process. Additional data were obtained from government information, trade associations, industry and financial sources and an exhaustive review of technical literature.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

After a successful career at IBM, Robert Moran has written extensively as a research analyst and editor at BCC. He is the former editor of Display Development News and is the author of numerous BCC market research documents. The topics of his reports range from various deposition technologies to electronic displays, electronic publishing, solar energy and fiber optics. Mr. Moran has been with BCC for over 25 years. B.S., Economics, University of Pennsylvania