As industries continue to seek more efficient, sustainable, and high-quality finishing methods, physical vapor deposition (PVD) has become a key player in surface coating technologies. From cosmetic packaging to pharmaceutical components and high-end automotive parts, PVD enables manufacturers to apply thin, uniform, and functional metallic coatings to a wide range of three-dimensional objects. Tapematic, a global leader in industrial machinery, uses PVD—specifically in the form of sputtering—within its integrated PST Line II and PST Line C systems to deliver cutting-edge, environmentally responsible surface finishes.

PST Line II: the foundation of Tapematic’s advanced coating systems

Tapematic’s PST Line II is the company’s most advanced and modular coating platform. Designed for inline production, it supports multiple integrated processes including cleaning and pretreatment, UV spray coating, vacuum metallization via sputtering, and curing—all within a fully automated line.
This system is particularly well-suited for high-throughput industries that demand precision and repeatability. By using sputtering as its core PVD technology, the PST Line II provides:

- Uniform metal coatings even on complex 3D surfaces
- Excellent adhesion and durability
- High-quality, mirror-like finishes
- Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional methods

What is physical vapor deposition (PVD)?

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a vacuum-based coating process in which solid materials—typically metals—are transformed into a vapor and deposited onto a substrate as a thin film. Unlike chemical coating methods, PVD does not involve liquid solvents, making it a cleaner, more sustainable alternative.
In industrial applications, PVD is often used for:

- Decorative finishes with high aesthetic value
- Functional coatings with barrier, conductive, or reflective properties
- Enhanced wear resistance and durability

PVD techniques include evaporation and sputtering. Tapematic exclusively uses sputtering in its systems due to its superior control and versatility.

How sputtering works inside Tapematic systems

Sputtering is a form of PVD where atoms are ejected from a solid target material—typically aluminum—by bombarding it with high-energy particles in a vacuum chamber. These atoms then travel through the vacuum and deposit onto the substrate’s surface, forming a uniform, metallic coating.
Inside Tapematic’s sputtering modules:

- The process occurs in a high-vacuum environment to ensure purity and precision
- Components are rotated or moved to ensure even coating on all surfaces
- Layer thickness is precisely controlled to meet design and performance requirements

This makes sputtering ideal for three-dimensional parts, such as bottle caps, jars, closures, or medical device components, where even surface coverage is critical.

Integrated cleaning and pretreatment for optimal adhesion

Before PVD can be applied effectively, parts must be free of surface contaminants. Tapematic includes a built-in cleaning and pretreatment module in its PST Line II and PST Line C systems. This step removes dust, residual from injection process, and static charges, preparing the substrate for maximum coating adhesion.
Unlike many manufacturers, Tapematic does not use a cleanroom. Instead, its integrated pretreatment module achieves excellent surface preparation within a controlled inline environment—reducing infrastructure costs while maintaining premium quality standards.

Real use case: pharmaceutical components with functional coatings

A pharmaceutical packaging company adopted the PST Line II to apply PVD coatings to dosing caps and container closures. These coatings needed to offer both a premium look and barrier properties to protect sensitive contents from moisture and light.
Results included:

- Uniform aluminum coatings with excellent adhesion
- No contamination, thanks to integrated pretreatment
- Reduced downtime due to inline automation
- Enhanced component performance in clinical use

This case highlights how Tapematic’s sputtering systems meet functional and aesthetic requirements in highly regulated sectors.

PST Line C: compact sputtering for limited spaces

For manufacturers looking for a smaller-footprint solution, Tapematic offers the PST Line C. This standalone system includes the same sputtering capabilities as the PST Line II but in a single, non-modular unit.
The PST Line C supports a wide range of parts—not just cylindrical ones—and is especially useful for:

- Cosmetic brands with lower production volumes
- R&D facilities needing pilot-scale metallization
- Manufacturers with limited space but high-quality standards

Despite its compact design, it offers the same inline efficiency, surface preparation, and UV coating compatibility as its larger counterpart.

Benefits of PVD over traditional coating methods

Compared to electroplating or solvent-based varnishing, PVD sputtering provides a number of advantages:

- No use of hazardous chemicals or solvents
- Environmentally friendly, with no VOC emissions
- Consistent coating thickness with low material waste
- Strong mechanical properties and long-lasting finish
- Fast processing in automated inline systems

These benefits make PVD ideal for companies focused on sustainability, product quality, and efficient production.

PVD in cosmetic, beverage, and automotive sectors

Tapematic’s PVD systems are used across a wide range of industries. In cosmetics, sputtering is used to create luxurious metallic finishes on packaging such as perfume bottle caps or lotion pumps. In the beverage industry, it decorates closures and containers with both branding and functional protection. In automotive, it is used for both decorative trim and functional parts requiring conductivity or resistance to abrasion.
Each application benefits from:

- High visual impact
- Durability in transport and usage
- Surface uniformity across complex forms

Environmentally conscious metallization

Sustainability is a growing concern in industrial coating, and PVD stands out as a green alternative. Tapematic’s systems eliminate the use of toxic solvents, reduce energy consumption through UV curing, and generate minimal waste.
PVD sputtering contributes to:

- Reduced carbon footprint
- Lowered energy bills
- Safer working environments
- Easier compliance with environmental regulations

As more brands prioritize sustainability, Tapematic provides them with solutions that align performance with eco-conscious manufacturing.

Complete automation for consistency and scalability

All Tapematic lines are designed with full automation in mind. From part loading to sputtering to final curing, every phase is controlled by intelligent software and real-time monitoring systems.
This ensures:

- Repeatable, high-quality results
- Scalability for both low and high-volume production
- Reduced manual labor and operator error
- Integration with MES and Industry 4.0 platforms

Automation not only improves efficiency—it also ensures traceability and process validation for sectors like pharma and cosmetics.