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The DOMINO pica is a small, compact PVD system and is designed for fast, short processes. It is used in particular for coating small parts from different industries running small batches up to a few 100 tools and still impresses with its flexible technological options.
The Chair of Engineering Design and CAD at the University of Bayreuth, led by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Stephan Tremmel places a strong emphasis on materials science and engineering. To further advance research in the field of tribology and surface technology, the university acquired the state-of-the-art DOMINO pica PVD coating system from Oerlikon.
This system is primarily used for research on leading edge thin-film formulations for a wide range of technical applications. In addition to optimizing tribological contacts in mechanical components, the coatings are also being explored for sensor technologies and energy harvesting through triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).
Until recently, the University of Bayreuth did not have access to a latest-technology PVD coating system to support the development of new coatings. The acquisition of the DOMINO pica has now closed this gap. Prof. Tremmel highlights that the system’s compact chamber volume makes it ideally suited for academic research, enabling a direct transfer of developed coatings to industrial applications while also conserving resources during coating development.
DOMINO systems are characterized by their modular architecture, which allows for flexible control –independent of preset recipes or parameter limits. Academic researcher and doctoral candidate Christian Orgeldinger is particularly impressed with the freely programmable HiPIMS pulser, which is synchronized via a frequency generator and opens up entirely new possibilities for process control. Equipped with three magnetrons and the innovative AEGD etching process, the DOMINO pica offers an optimal platform for experimental research.
Since the system was commissioned, the team has primarily studied DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating formulations, which have already shown great promise. The university is conducting in-depth analyses, including layer structure, adhesion, chemical and mechanical properties, as well as tribological and electrical behavior.
The University of Bayreuth values the comprehensive support provided by Oerlikon Balzers – from system configuration and delivery to commissioning and ongoing technical assistance. The research team particularly appreciates Oerlikon Balzers’ genuine interest in innovative and unconventional research topics, which reflects the company’s commitment to fostering real partnerships with academic institutions.
As the most compact model in the DOMINO family, the DOMINO pica exemplifies the benefits of modular coating systems for universities and research institutes. Its flexible platform allows tailored module integration to meet specific research needs – laying the foundation for new developments in surface and coating technologies.
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