Electrodes - DC/RF sputtering of noble metal, alloys etc

ELECTRODES – THIN FILM METALLISED ELECTRODE COATING

RELIABLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

ELECTRODES – THIN FILM METALLISED ELECTRODE COATING

ELECTRODE COATINGS – THIN FILM METALLISATION

Polyteknik specialises in electrode coatings applied by DC/RF sputtering – delivering consistent, reliable electrical connections on ceramics and polymers. The process of applying conductive thin films to substrates, sometimes called electroding, is central to piezo component manufacturing and the broader production of semiconductor devices and hybrid microcircuits.

Metals are the most common material for electrode coatings and can be applied as blanket metallisation or patterned into precise conductor lines and stripes. Our coatings are typically multilayer films, where each layer is engineered for a specific function – conductivity, adhesion, barrier performance, or corrosion resistance.

Electrode coatings on a variety of substrates

We apply electrode coatings to a broad range of substrate materials, including glass, ceramics, polymers, titanium, and other metals – delivering consistent quality and performance across all of them.

For piezo ceramics, our electrode coatings have proven exceptional in both conductivity and durability, with strong resistance to heat and corrosion. We support a comprehensive range of piezo electrode patterns. From solid and wrap-around patterns to side tab, insulation band, and fully customised geometries – giving you the design flexibility your application demands.

While silver and gold remain standard options, we also offer stabilised electrode coatings in nickel and titanium for applications where reliability under demanding conditions is critical. These materials are widely specified across the medico, industrial, defence, and aerospace sectors.

Our capabilities extend equally to polymer substrates. When coating flexible or polymer-based components, we carefully select electrode materials to ensure strong adhesion and surface compatibility – without compromising the flexibility or structural integrity of the part.

Electrode coating materials

We offer DC/RF sputtered electrode coatings in a wide range of materials, selected to match your substrate, operating environment, and performance requirements:

Silver (Ag): high conductivity, cost-effective standard coating
Gold (Au): excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for sensitive applications
Chrome (Cr): adhesion layer and corrosion barrier
Nickel (Ni): stable performance under heat and chemical exposure
Titanium (Ti): outstanding durability for demanding environments
Copper (Cu): high-conductivity conductor lines
Custom alloys and multilayer combinations: tailored to your specification

Material selection depends on the substrate, the intended application, and the operating environment. Polyteknik will advise on the optimal electrode coating material for your specific requirements.

Standard coating specifications

Chrome & gold electrode coating

The chrome and gold combination coating provides outstanding resistance to corrosion and heat. The chrome layer provides adhesion and acts as a diffusion barrier, while the gold layer delivers stable, high-quality conductivity. Coating thickness ranges from a few hundred nanometres up to 2–3 µm.

Silver electrode coating

The silver electrode coating offers a consistent and reliable electrical connection. It is the standard choice for general piezo applications as well as for industrial applications. Coating thickness ranges from a few hundred nanometres up to 2–3 µm.

Nickel & titanium electrode coatings

Where the substrate material or operating environment demands higher stability than silver can provide, we can offer nickel or titanium electrode coatings. These deliver exceptionally stable performance across a wider range of temperatures and chemical environments, making them the preferred electrode coating material for medical devices, defence systems, and industrial equipment.

Materials	Key strengths	Best for
Chrome + Gold	Corrosion & heat resistance	Harsh environments, defence, aerospace
Silver	Consistent conductivity	Medico, defence, industry, standard piezo applications
Nickel or Titanium	Exceptional stability	Medico, defence, industry
Au, Ag, Ni, Ti, Cu, Cr + alloys	Tailored to substrate & environment	Ceramics, polymers & glass

Need a custom electrode coating?

Contact Polyteknik to discuss your substrate, pattern requirements, and target performance –
we will recommend the right electrode coating material and process for your application.