Technology

The Incredible Properties of DLC

Summary: Depending on how it is produced, diamond like carbon can take on many properties.

Diamond-like carbon, or DLC, doesn’t refer to any one substance. Instead, the term refers to a range of amorphous, hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated films, which are prepared at varying temperatures. It significantly increases the durability of whatever it’s placed onto, which is why tools like saw blades have used DLC to improve the longevity of the blade.

The properties of DLC can change depending on how it is manufactured.

Primarily, DLC is used for one of three outcomes: hardness, durability or slickness. The outcome depends on which of the 7 forms of DLC are produced, but can also be influenced by materials used. Some materials used to cut production costs are designed to achieve a certain effect.

Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is a process frequently used to deposit DLC onto a substrate. DLC is broken down into a gaseous form, coming to rest on the substrate in a uniform coating. Thanks to the association of German Engineers, this list is clarified and quantified to help people place orders and navigate confusing terms or brand names.

When DLC is manufactured, it takes the appearance of a cobblestone road at a microscopic level. This is excellent for semi-conductivity, as it turns out, because of a phenomenon known as “quantum mechanical tunneling”. If you can imagine small tunnels from one cobble to the next, where electricity can pass through, it somewhat completes the analogy. At this point, it’s not something manufacturers have fully realized. The hope is that DLC will be used to conduct electricity.

Bio: Denton Vacuum, LLC manufactures high quality deposition systems for use in advanced manufacturing. Order PECVD devices online, with shipping to your workspace, from Denton Vacuum, LLC.