Micro-Epsilon: Precise Color Inspection of Vacuum Coatings

Vacuum coatings are used in numerous high-tech industries—from the automotive sector to optics, medical technology, and consumer electronics. In addition to their functional properties, these coatings also influence the visual appearance of a component. Since color, saturation, and gloss level depend heavily on process parameters, even the smallest deviations lead to visible color differences. Precise, reproducible color inspection is therefore an essential part of quality assurance. The ColorSensor CFO from Micro-Epsilon enables continuous color measurement directly inside the vacuum chamber. This system uses specially developed CFS sensors that reliably perform measurements at pressures down to 10⁻⁵ mbar (high vacuum) and temperatures up to 600 °C. With a reproducibility of ΔE < 0.3 and measurement frequencies of up to 30 kHz, process parameters can be monitored and controlled in real time. This ensures high stability in the coating process and significantly reduces scrap.

Consistent color quality for demanding surfaces

Vacuum coatings are applied to the surface either physically (PVD process) or chemically (CVD process). PVD and CVD coatings each place different demands on process control and temperature management. While PVD processes are characterized by evaporation or sputtering, CVD processes are based on chemical reactions within the process chamber. The ColorSensor CFO supports both technologies through reliable, process-integrated color monitoring. The measurement data obtained helps maintain consistent coating quality and optical properties across various processes and material systems.