Why Sputter instead of Electroplate?

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In summary, Sputtering is a faster method of coating metal objects, such as razor blades, compared to Electroplating. Sputtering can coat any solid surface quickly, while Electroplating is a slower process that requires a conductive surface and a specific voltage gradient. Additionally, Electroplating can result in geometric instability and may require polishing afterwards, while Sputtering may not coat sharp edges or points as effectively. Both methods have their uses, and Electrodeposition can also be used to deposit alloys.
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symbolipoint
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Why is coating a metal with another metal using Sputtering any advantage over Electroplating?
Not the smartest question, but why should metal deposits be put onto other metals (like razor blades) using Sputtering instead of electrodeposition or electroplating the coating onto the metal object to be coated?
 
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Sputtering can quickly coat any solid surface, with an element or an alloy.
Electroplating can slowly plate a conductive surface, with an element.
 
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  • #3
symbolipoint said:
like razor blades
Properly machined thin edges are really sensitive to practically everything.
Knife nerds suggests to clean your knives immediately after cutting lemon (or any acidic food!), for example.
Submerging the edge into an electrolyte and running current through them - you guess :wink:
 
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Rive said:
Submerging the edge into an electrolyte and running current through them - you guess
With electroplating, the current is DC, with the correct polarity required to plate metals from the electrolyte onto the edge.

The rate of deposition during electroplating is determined by the voltage gradient. A sharp edge or point will therefore grow rapidly, while a flat surface develops only a thin layer. That is a form of geometric instability, an edge will grow whiskers. The plated item will need to be polished after plating.

With sputtering, there is a tendency to coat the areas of a surface exposed to the plasma, while not so much material reaches the sharp edges or points that have areas approaching zero.
 
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"Sputtering can quickly coat any solid surface, with an element or an alloy.
Electroplating can slowly plate a conductive surface, with an element."
-Baluncore

Worth repeating.
 
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Dullard said:
Worth repeating.
"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." Vladimir Lenin.

I knowingly lied. My two line answer was a gross generalisation.

Electrodeposition is also used to deposit alloys.
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/5/2/195/htm
 
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FAQ: Why Sputter instead of Electroplate?

Why is sputtering preferred over electroplating for thin film deposition?

Sputtering is often preferred for thin film deposition because it provides better control over film thickness and uniformity. It is particularly advantageous for creating very thin and precise layers, which is essential in applications like semiconductor manufacturing and optical coatings.

How does sputtering achieve better adhesion compared to electroplating?

Sputtering typically achieves better adhesion because the high-energy particles involved in the process can penetrate the substrate surface, creating a stronger bond. In contrast, electroplating relies on a chemical bond, which may not be as strong, especially on non-metallic substrates.

What materials can be used in sputtering that cannot be used in electroplating?

Sputtering can be used with a wider range of materials, including insulators and semiconductors, which are difficult or impossible to deposit using electroplating. This makes sputtering a versatile choice for applications requiring diverse material properties.

Why is sputtering considered more environmentally friendly than electroplating?

Sputtering is considered more environmentally friendly because it does not involve hazardous chemicals or produce toxic waste, which are common in electroplating processes. This reduces the environmental impact and the need for extensive waste management.

Can sputtering be used for complex geometries, and how does it compare to electroplating in this regard?

Sputtering can be more challenging for complex geometries due to line-of-sight limitations, but techniques like rotating substrates and using multiple targets can mitigate these issues. Electroplating can more easily coat complex shapes due to its solution-based nature, but it may struggle with uniformity and precision.

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