Vapor Technologies, Inc., an industry pioneer in PVD (physical vapor deposition) thin-film coating systems for wide-ranging industrial and consumer product applications, has introduced what it says is the world’s first true black advanced LTAVD (low temperature arc vapor deposition) coating.

“After more than a decade of development and discovery, Vapor Tech engineers have integrated a proprietary optical absorption process into our line of workhorse thin-film deposition systems to deliver the darkest, most durable and pure black cosmetic finish to our expanding color palette,” said Vapor Tech president David Humenik.

Vapor Tech’s coating capabilities cover the spectrum of metallic colors, but until now, it has been extremely difficult for anyone to produce a true, neutral black using PVD techniques. Vapor Tech’s process results in stable, repeatable and customizable colorfast coatings that will not fade or shift, and the low-temperature LTAVD process allows the new black to adhere to a variety of materials, including electroplated plastics, without damaging the part said the company.

Using the L*a*b* color lightness and hue standard, the Vapor Tech black achieves the most accurate quantitative rating in measuring “true” black, and has received corresponding confirmation in more subjective customer feedback testing. The coating’s high-density, adherence characteristics and its ability to withstand dramatic temperature fluctuations virtually eliminate delamination, cracking and peeling. The coating is so thin that it preserves dimensions, tolerances and underlying detail to enable a wide variety of textures.

Demand is increasing for rich, classic black coatings for high-end products, particularly in consumer electronics such as computers and televisions; premium household products including countertop appliances, bath and kitchen fixtures; automotive interior and exterior accents and accessories; and in large coating services and electroplating operations.

“American product companies and manufacturers face intense, relentless global competition that’s growing every day,” said Humenik. “By creating the most beautiful, lustrous and uniform true black PVD coating, Vapor Tech is proud to enable industrial designers with a ‘look and feel’ advantage in appearance, quality and durability to help differentiate and add value to countless consumer electronics, industrial and household products.”