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Difference between metallization and PVD

I would like to know the difference (if it exists) between metallization and physical vapor deposition processes.

Thanks in advance!

Ines Pelayo
- Boecillo, Spain

PVD and vacuum metallization are the same when it comes to vacuum coating or vacuum deposition. In general, PVD is now a days assumed to be a vacuum technique. Metallization is a generic term used when a metal coating is applied, typically without using electrochemistry or electroless chemistry. Sometimes metallization (without vacuum) may include thermal spray and organic spray metal-coat.

Mandar Sunthankar
- Fort Collins, Colorado

PVD is a vacuum metallization process, but 'metallization' is a generic term which seems to merely mean applying a metal to a surface via any process. Some people call the two-part silvering operation 'metallization', some people call flame spraying 'metallization', some people even call electroplating 'metallization'.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
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