IVD (Ion Vapour Deposition/Vacuum Coating)

Ion Vapour Deposition, known as IVD or Ivadising, is a physical deposition process which is used to apply pure Aluminium coatings to various substrates, improving their resistance to atmospheric and bi-metallic corrosion.

The design and manufacture of modern aircraft demands the use of high performance materials and protective systems which also need to be environmentally friendly. Historically Cadmium plating has been the mainstay for protecting both Steel and Aluminium components from corrosion but, following increased environmental concerns and recent legislation, Cadmium is increasingly becoming unpopular and expensive.

Many alternatives to Cadmium have been investigated over the years but none have fulfilled all the requirements, however IVD Aluminium has emerged as the leading single process replacement in many applications.

IVD Aluminium is a smooth, uniform coating of pure aluminium, produced by vacuum deposition and is currently used in a range of aerospace and defence product applications where critical corrosion resistance with electrical conductivity is paramount or where dissimilar metal contact can cause galvanic attack.

Typical components currently processed with an IVD Aluminium coating include – Engine and Airframe fasteners (Steel and Titanium), high tensile Steel airframe parts, Titanium bearing shells, landing gear components and assemblies, sintered magnets and electrical connectors.

IVD Aluminium has the following advantages:

  • Provides sacrificial corrosion protection to Steel and Titanium parts without the risk of hydrogen embrittlement.

  • Provides improved corrosion protection to high strength Aluminium alloys.

  • Can be used in contact with aero engine fuels.

  • Neither the process nor the coating create toxic materials.

  • Corrosion resistance is at least equal to that of Cadmium.

  • Can be used to prevent dissimilar metal corrosion e.g. for Steel fixings in Aluminium assemblies

  • The coating can be applied within closely controlled limits.

  • The coating is highly conducting.

Typical coating thickness is 7- 50 microns dependant on application.