HiPIMS for Decorative Coatings: Unlocking vibrant colours and superior finish with High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering

High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS) is revolutionizing the world of decorative PVD coatings by delivering unmatched color vibrancy, smoothness, and hardness. As an advanced form of Physical Vapor Deposition, HiPIMS outperforms traditional methods like cathodic arc evaporation in both aesthetics and performance.

What is HiPIMS and why it matters for decorative coatings

HiPIMS operates by applying ultra-high power pulses—reaching kilowatts per square centimeter—for microsecond durations at low duty cycles (<10%). This results in a highly ionized plasma, rich in metal ions, which enhances the film’s adhesion, density, and appearance. These characteristics make HiPIMS ideal for luxury decorative applications such as watches, jewelry, consumer electronics, and architectural finishes.

Key benefits over traditional cathodic arc PVD

• Droplet-Free Finish: HiPIMS coatings are free of the microdroplets common in cathodic arc PVD, ensuring a flawless surface and superior cleanability.

• Extreme Hardness & Durability: Thanks to ion densities above 10¹³ ions/cm³ and metal ionization rates up to 70%, HiPIMS coatings are exceptionally hard and dense.

• Refined Surface Quality: The smooth finish enhances both tactile feel and long-term resistance to wear and corrosion.

Precision control of decorative colours (L*a*b* values)

One of HiPIMS’ standout advantages is its ability to fine-tune coating colors using the CIE L*a*b* (CIELAB) color model. By adjusting process parameters—such as pulse duration, peak power, and reactive gas composition (e.g., nitrogen, oxygen, acetylene)—HiPIMS allows precise control of:

• Lightness (L)* - Representing lightness, ranging from 0 (black) to 100 (white)

  
  

• Red-Green Axis (a)* - Denoting the red-green axis, where positive values indicate red and negative values indicate green

  
  

• Yellow-Blue Axis (b)* - Denoting the yellow-blue axis, where positive values indicate yellow and negative values indicate blue

This visualization aids in understanding how colors are positioned and differentiated within the CIELAB space.

This enables a broad palette of custom colors beyond the limited metallic tones achievable with traditional PVD.

Exotic and iridescent colours now possible

HiPIMS makes it possible to deposit vibrant, non-metallic colors such as purples, blues, and iridescent shades—perfect for eye-catching decorative products. For example:

• Titanium oxide via HiPIMS creates shimmering, color-shifting effects.

• Chromium + acetylene combinations yield bronze, deep purples, and other unique finishes.

Unlike cathodic arc PVD, which is limited by molten cathode material and droplet formation, HiPIMS can sputter a wider range of target materials, including ceramics and non-conductive compounds.

Superior technical control & process stability

HiPIMS uses advanced power control—achieving current densities of 3–5 A/cm²—to ionize a large portion of the sputtered material. This results in:

• Enhanced coating adhesion

• Tunable hardness and thickness

• Consistent colour and performance

The process takes place in a magnetically confined plasma in a vacuum chamber, where bias voltages are used to further control ion energy and deposition results.

Applications across high-end decorative markets

HiPIMS decorative coatings are gaining popularity in:

• Luxury watches and jewelry

• Premium automotive trim

• High-end consumer products

• Custom architecture and interior design

Its ability to coat metals, plastics, and ceramics opens new possibilities in product design and differentiation.

The future of decorative PVD technology

With ongoing innovations, hybrid HiPIMS systems are combining HiPIMS with other PVD technologies to further expand coating possibilities. As brands seek unique finishes and long-lasting quality, HiPIMS stands out as the future of decorative surface engineering.