Sputtering Target Review
We haven’t written about sputtering targets in some time. But it’s worth revisiting the topic because money can be made recycling them. Sputtering targets are a very specialized kind of platinum scrap – and in some cases, of gold and silver as well.
Sputtering targets are specialized materials used in a manufacturing process called sputtering, which is a fundamental technique in the production of thin films and coatings for a wide range of applications in industries such as electronics, optics, and materials science. Sputtering targets serve as the source material from which thin films are deposited onto a substrate through a process called physical vapor deposition (PVD).
How Does PVD Work?
Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a thin-film deposition process used in various industries to create thin coatings or films on substrates. PVD works by utilizing physical processes to transform a solid material (the target) into vapor and then deposit it onto a substrate to form a thin film.
Here's a simplified overview of how PVD works:
The sputtering process involves bombarding the target material with ions (which pass through an inert gas like argon) in a vacuum chamber. These ions dislodge atoms or molecules from the target surface through a physical collision process. These dislodged particles then travel to a substrate, where they condense and form a thin film. The properties of the thin film, such as thickness, composition, and structure, can be precisely controlled by adjusting various parameters, including the sputtering time, power, and gas pressure.
PVD can be achieved by using one of these methods:
Sputtering - In sputtering, a solid target material is bombarded with ions, usually from an inert gas like argon. The energetic ions collide with the target material, dislodging atoms or molecules from its surface. These ejected particles form a vapor cloud of the target material in the vacuum chamber. Some of these vaporized particles then condense and deposit onto a substrate, forming a thin film.
Evaporation - In the evaporation method, the target material is heated until it reaches its vaporization temperature. This causes the target material to evaporate and form a vapor within the vacuum chamber. The vaporized material then condenses on the substrate, creating a thin film. The process can be done through resistive heating, electron beam heating, or other methods.
PVD is widely used in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, optics, electronics, automotive, and aerospace. It allows for precise control over film thickness, composition, and properties, making it suitable for applications where high-quality and well-defined thin films are required. Different PVD methods, such as magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, and electron beam evaporation, offer flexibility in terms of materials that can be deposited and the types of films that can be produced.
Composition of Sputtering Targets
Sputtering targets are typically made of a specific material or combination of materials that manufacturers want to deposit as a thin film onto a substrate. Common materials used for sputtering targets include metals (e.g., platinum, aluminum, copper, titanium, gold), semiconductors (e.g., silicon, indium tin oxide), and insulators (e.g., silicon dioxide, alumina).
They are manufactured with a high level of purity to ensure that the deposited thin films have the desired characteristics and properties. Impurities in the target material can negatively affect the quality of the thin film.
Sputtering targets are designed to be mounted onto the cathode (or target holder) of a sputtering system. They are typically held in place and electrically connected to the system, allowing for controlled sputtering of the material. They come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the specific application and equipment used. Common shapes include discs, rectangles, and cylinders. The size and geometry of the target must match the requirements of the sputtering system.
Remember that even when sputtering targets have outlived their usefulness in plating processes, they usually contain small amounts of platinum, gold and other metals that can be profitably reclaimed.
Where Can You Buy Used Sputtering Targets?
Factories are the best source of used sputtering targets. Surprisingly, a variety of them can be found on eBay. Remember, however, that eBay sellers do not sell anything for less than it is worth. But if you are eager to learn more about the composition of sputtering targets, it is worth looking.
And when you have sputtering targets to recycle, be sure to give our precious metals recycling team a call at 800-426-2344 or email us at sales@specialtymetals.com. We are here to take the risk out of recycling your platinum scrap and pay you at current high trading prices.
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