How Do Sputtering Targets Work?

AEM Deposition would like to give you an overview of how the sputtering process works to apply platings to various surfaces. The more you know, the better the chances are that you won’t overlook valuable quantities of precious metals that you could have on hand in your used sputtering targets.

What is Sputtering?

How Does Sputtering Work?

Sputtering is done in a vacuum chamber into which an inert gas is introduced – in most cases, argon. Two items are placed into that chamber: The item to be plated and the “target” that contains the material that is applied. A negative electrical charge is applied to the target, causing some of the electrons that it contains to travel to the material to be coated. As a result, You get a thin-film of plating right where you want it. But note that the use of the term “target” can be confusing since it is the source of the plating material used, not its final destination.

What Metals or Other Substances Can Be Delivered from Sputtering Targets?

Sputtering targets are now being used in many industries for the first time. As a result, targets are being used to apply cadmium, chromium, gold, indium, iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, silver, tungsten, zirconium, and even more materials that can be used as coatings or platings.

How Much are Used Sputtering Targets Worth?

That can vary, depending on the value of the metal you are using as platings, the presence of secondary metals in the sputtering targets you use, the strength and efficiency of your sputtering applications, and more. The one way to be sure is to send your used sputtering targets to a qualified precious metals recycler for testing.