12th International Conference on Zinc & Zinc Alloy Coated Steel Sheet - GALVATECH 2021

For a practical application of PVD as a competitive coating technology in the steel industry, it is essential to have a continuously running line. A challenging processing step in such a line is the introduction of the steel strip into the vacuum and back out again. However, it is not only the steel strip that is removed from the vacuum but also the coating material, the sole purpose of the whole operation. This means, that it is also required to transport the coating material from atmospheric condition into a low vacuum surrounding. This feeding can be done using solid or liquid material. In this paper both methods will be evaluated with respect to their advantages and dis-advantages. The method that prevails will be determined by the boundary conditions which include the required capacity of the line and the coating weight. It is believed that to be able to compete with zinc base coatings produced on Electro or Hot Dip Galvanizing lines, the liquid feeding method, although presenting a bigger technological challenge, is the preferred option. Different liquid feeding technologies have been examined and the most promising technology, using an electromagnetic concept, was used to build a prototype together with Hazelett Strip Casting Corporation. The outcome of the tests with the prototype will be presented in this paper showing the potential of this technology.