| Process |
Under high vacuum, a substance is coated physically, (often assisted by a plasma arc) to the substrate. |
| Strengths |
Very thin coatings that conform exactly to the substrate. Unusual metals can be coated. |
| Weaknesses |
Depending on coating – low corrosion protection, and very limited by size of object to be coated. |
| Durability |
Widely varies according to material coated and coating type. |
| Cost |
Very expensive (£2-5000 per sq metre) |
| Health and Safety |
Factory process, low risk |
| Environmental |
Few factors of concern |
