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In our daily life, when we go to supermarket to buy some stainless steel flatware sets, we always can see different colors flatware, such as gold, rose gold, black, rainbow color. Actually the flatware is originally silver color, and these vibrant colors are created by PVD coating technology. While using the PVD Coating flatware, we can find that most of the colors will fade off in the end, some are very fast but some are more durable. Many consumers are troubled by this issue and have to frequently change their flatware. Why do they have different levels of durability?
What is PVD coating?
PVD coating is called Physical Vapor Deposition technology, Its working principle is to vaporize and deposit titanium metal to the surface of stainless steel in a vacuum environment to form a uniform and dense titanium film. This layer of titanium film not only makes the flatware be with colorful appearance, but also improves its corrosion resistance, wear resistance, high temperature resistance. However, the titanium plating from different factories is not identical, actually different adjustments during titanium plating can lead to quality differences, which is ultimately reflected in the cycles of dishwasher testing.
Factors Affecting the Durability of PVD Coating
Surface Treatment Before Titanium Plating
The first influencing factor is the surface treatment before titanium plating which is quite crucial. The flatware surface must undergo strict cleaning, wax removal, and other pretreatment to ensure that the titanium layer and the matrix are firmly bonded. In this process, the dust-free workshop is the most important which will prevent dust from sticking on the flatware after washing. However, many factories simplify or even omit certain steps to save cost, resulting in poor coating adhesion and easy to fall off, obviously can not withstand repeated washing by the dishwasher.
Thickness of the Coating
The thickness of the PVD coating is also a key factor affecting the durability, which depends on the coating time and the flatware hanging space in the titanium plating furnace. Sufficient plating time and appropriate hanging space will allow the cutlery to have a thick and evenly distributed coating. Nevertheless, lots of manufacturers will hang as many flatware as possible in the plating furnace, while reducing plating time to increase production capacity which will result in the greatly reduced coating quality.
Quality Inspection
In addition, complete quality inspection can not be ignored in controlling the quality of the PVD coating. However, due to the increasing market competition, most factories have to reduce costs from all aspects to improve the price advantage.
The Importance of Quality Control
Overall, the quality difference of titanium plating depends on the technological level and cost control. In order to withstand 100 cycles or even more of dishwasher testing, every aspect of titanium plating must strive for excellence. As consumers, when choosing flatware, we cannot blindly pursue low prices, but should pay more attention to the craftsmanship and quality which can use longer. This is also a disguised cost saving, isn’t it?
FANGYUAN: A Flatware Factory Focusing on Quality Control
FANGYUAN is a leading stainless steel flatware factory that focuses more on quality control. Only in the titanium plating process, we have our own dust-free workshop and a complete full inspection assembly line. Currently, we have achieved 200 rounds of dishwasher testing with almost no negative reviews in terms of color fading.
In addition, we have collaborated with many super clients around the world, such as Tesco, Walmart, Aldi, Target, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Williams Sonoma, Wilko, Miniso, Starbucks, etc. More specifically, we are TESCO’s sole supplier of cutlery. We offer OEM&ODM customized stainless steel flatware services, whether it is bulk procurement or personalized customization, FANGYUAN can provide you with efficient and professional services. Welcome to contact us!
