Oerlikon Riri and Oerlikon Fineparts, Oerlikon’s luxury brands, are expanding their use of advanced Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes, drawing on Oerlikon Balzers’ technological expertise. This move is part of Oerlikon’s strategy to position itself as a leading provider of high-quality, sustainable finishes for the luxury market, combining style, durability, and eco-friendly solutions.
A new PVD installation at Oerlikon’s Fundão plant in Portugal, a specialized center for surface treatments, enables Oerlikon Riri and Oerlikon Fineparts to produce large volumes of PVD-coated luxury components with consistent, premium-quality finishes. Designed and manufactured by Oerlikon Balzers, this technology enables environmentally conscious production while meeting the luxury sector’s high standards.
Katharina Rick, President of Oerlikon’s Luxury division, emphasizes the alignment of PVD technology with the company’s sustainability goals: “At a challenging time for the luxury market, our aim is to provide sophisticated finishes that combine performance and environmental stewardship. PVD allows us to elevate metallic finishes in fashion with both elegance and responsibility.”
PVD, a thin-film coating technique, surpasses traditional electroplating by enhancing scratch resistance and oxidation protection, ensuring luxury accessories retain their appeal longer. Environmentally, PVD offers substantial advantages, including a 76% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to electroplating. It eliminates water usage and drastically reduces waste by 97% and precious metal demand by 83%. Furthermore, the shift from brass to stainless steel as a base material, enabled by Metal Injection Molding (MIM), minimizes raw material waste and enhances sustainability. Stainless steel is 6% lighter than brass, reducing transportation emissions, and offers improved durability by resisting lead contamination and oxidation, ensuring a long-lasting aesthetic for luxury items.
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