PVD Titanium Gold vs Electroplated Polished Brass: Anti-Tarnish Longevity
Engineering Overview: Engineering evaluation of PVD titanium zirconium gold coatings versus lacquered polished brass, comparing UV stability and coastal salt spray life.
Technical & Engineering Specifications
| Process | Cathodic Arc Vacuum PVD (TiN / ZrN Deposition) |
|---|---|
| Hardness | 2400 HV Vickers Hardness |
| Film Thickness | 1.5 to 2.5 um |
| Warranty Rating | Lifetime Anti-Tarnish Architectural Guarantee |
| Salt Spray Rating | ASTM B117 > 1000 hours (Grade 5) |
Architectural Gold Finish Durability
Traditional polished brass hardware relies on organic clear lacquer to prevent tarnish. However, outdoor UV exposure and abrasive key contact degrade lacquer within 1–2 years, causing green oxidation spots. PVD Titanium Gold (TiN/ZrN) solves this permanently.
PVD Vacuum Performance
- Hardness: 2200 to 2600 HV (exceeding hardened steel).
- Corrosion Resistance: Withstands $>1,000 ext{ hours}$ neutral salt spray (ASTM B117) without pitting.
- Zero Lacquer: Pure inorganic ceramic film bonded at the atomic level, impervious to UV degradation, coastal humidity, and cleaning chemicals.
Frequently Asked Engineering & Selection Questions
Q1: Does PVD gold hardware require clear lacquer?
No. PVD is an ultra-hard ceramic thin film that never oxidizes or tarnishes, eliminating the need for delicate organic lacquers.