The centre is renowned for development of nanoscale multilayer Physical Vapour Deposited (PVD) coatings and for the development of the HIPIMS technique. The nanoscale multilayer structure can make the thin films, though few micrometers in thickness, super-hard or can provide multi-functionality in one coating. The coatings can have various applications; super-hard, wear resistant, corrosion resistant, oxidation resistant and/ or as coatings for aesthetic appeal and bio-medical applications. The research based at the centre focuses on fundamental studies ranging from plasma diagnostics to the final stage of technology transfer to an industrial sized deposition machine for mass production. The coatings development in the centre has been a result of various European Union (EU) and UK supported fundamental research projects being carried out by the centre in Sheffield Hallam University or along with its strategic industrial/academic partners across the globe. The centre is also renowned for its scientific facilities, publications and for its patents