Ceramic Electrode for Vacuum Coating Machine (HV Ceramic Feedthrough, CF/KF Flange)

Ceramic Electrode for Vacuum Coating Machine Applications

• Coated Glass Production Lines (Architectural/Automotive)

  ✅Key Advantages

  1. High-voltage headroom — 30–40 kV working window reduces arc events during ramp-up.
  2. Low leak rate — ≤1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s helps maintain base pressure and improves cycle stability.
  3. Service-oriented geometry — Swappable electrode modules shorten chamber turnaround.

  ✅ Problem Solved

  A glass line upgraded to 30 kV electrodes with extended creepage paths across six cathodes. Start-up arc incidents dropped by ~35% over two weeks of runs. Base pressure recovery after each wash cycle improved by ~15%, attributed to better sealing stability and consistent torque on machined faces. Spare pool size was reduced from 18 to 12 pieces while maintaining availability.

• Decorative PVD Job Shops (Hardware/Watches/Sanitary)

  ✅Key Advantages

  1. Compact CF/KF footprints — Fits multi-chamber layouts with limited port spacing.
  2. Conductor flexibility — Copper or Mo conductors support 30–150 A duty profiles.
  3. Field-mitigation tips — Chamfered/shielded ends reduce local field concentration.

  ✅ Problem Solved

  A job shop running mixed batches moved from a single conductor spec to two conductor options (Cu for high-current tools, Mo for thermal stability). Tip redesign cut false trips by ~28% over 60 days and trimmed changeover time by ~20 minutes per batch due to standardized fasteners and gauge marks.

• R&D & University Labs

  ✅Key Advantages

  1. Wide configurability — Multi-pin and coax layouts support instrumentation + power in one port.
  2. Drawing-friendly tolerances — Typical ±0.05–0.20 mm on sealing faces for repeatable assembly.
  3. Documentation — hipot and He-leak test records simplify lab compliance.

  ✅ Problem Solved

  A lab consolidated three pass-throughs into a single multi-pin ceramic feedthrough to free ports for viewports and gauges. Leak checks passed at 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s; swap to a coax signal pin stabilized RF bias measurements, improving repeatability across 12 deposition runs.

Ceramic Electrode for Vacuum Coating Machine Usage Instructions

• Installation

  1. Verify flange standard and knife-edge/gasket compatibility; confirm torque sequence and values.
  2. Keep sealing faces free from oil/particles; use lint-free wipes and solvent per plant practice.
  3. Route conductors with strain relief; maintain minimum bend radius per cable spec.

• Operation

  1. Ramp voltage in steps; confirm no abnormal partial discharge near tip or shields.
  2. Maintain clearance to nearby grounded features; avoid sharp edges that raise field intensity.
  3. Monitor temperature near the conductor base if carrying high current; add cooling if specified.

• Storage

  1. Keep in a dry cabinet with protective caps; avoid ceramic surface contact with metal objects.
  2. Log serial/lot numbers with drawing revision for traceability.

• Cleaning

  1. Use non-abrasive solvents; avoid aggressive mechanical scrubbing on ceramic glaze or seals.
  2. Dry completely before chamber installation to prevent micro-arcing.

• Common Misuse & Fixes

  1. Over-torque on CF/KF hardware → Use calibrated wrench and cross-pattern; replace distorted gaskets.
  2. Arcing at startup → Increase ramp time, confirm creepage path cleanliness, check tip-to-ground clearance.
  3. Intermittent leaks after bake → Inspect brazed joint area for contamination; re-seat with new gasket and even torque.

Ceramic Electrode for Vacuum Coating Machine FAQ

1. Q: What information should I provide to get a quotation for a ceramic electrode for a vacuum coating machine?
   A: Provide your working voltage and current, flange standard (CF/KF/ISO), conductor material, and effective length or creepage distance. Drawings or photos of the interface help ensure 1:1 matching to your chamber design.
2. Q: How do ceramic electrodes differ from ordinary vacuum electrical feedthroughs?
   A ceramic electrode is optimized for high voltage and current (10–60 kV, 5–200 A) with ceramic-to-metal brazed sealing, offering higher dielectric strength and lower leakage compared with standard signal feedthroughs used for low-power instrumentation.
3. Q: What determines the lifespan of a ceramic electrode in a vacuum coating system?
   A: Service life depends on power load, temperature cycles, vacuum quality, and torque consistency during installation. In stable PVD environments, typical life expectancy is 3–5 years or over 10,000 operating hours before requalification.
4. Q: Can the same ceramic electrode be used for both DC and RF power supplies?
   A: Yes, if properly specified. For RF use, conductor geometry and plating are adjusted to minimize impedance mismatch and arcing. Always specify the frequency range when ordering RF-compatible electrodes.
5. Q: Can these ceramic electrodes be retrofitted into existing coating machines?
   A: Yes. By matching flange standards and electrical ratings, electrodes can replace older feedthroughs in most magnetron sputtering or evaporation systems. Adapter rings or gasket variations allow easy retrofit.

Ceramic Electrode for Vacuum Coating Machine Reviews

• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  We adopted ceramic electrodes for vacuum coating machines with extended creepage on two CF40 ports. Arc trips during ramp-up dropped and base pressure stabilized faster after cleaning cycles.
  -- Ethan Morales — Maintenance Lead, GlassCo Lines (USA)
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  We integrated ADCERAX ceramic electrodes for vacuum coating machines on our new magnetron sputtering lines. The CF40 type maintained leak rates below 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s, and voltage stability was excellent during 30 kV testing. After six months of operation, no insulation degradation or arcing was observed
  -- Lena Schubert — Production Engineer, DecoFinish GmbH (Germany)
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  Our PVD glass line required durable ceramic-to-metal feedthroughs for 24/7 production. ADCERAX delivered custom-length designs with Mo conductors and fast flange alignment. Installation fit perfectly, and creepage reliability improved—helping reduce downtime by nearly 20 %.
  -- Victor Tan — Operations Manager, PVD Job Shop Asia
• ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  ADCERAX supplied a ceramic electrode for the vacuum coating equipment that matched our old connectors exactly. The O-ring seal and brazed joints passed all helium tests, and the customer support team provided full dimensional reports. We plan to standardize these feedthroughs across our plasma cleaning tools.
  -- Emily Carter — Lab Manager, MetroTech University (UK)