High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) technology was upscaled for the first time at Sheffield Hallam University and is now marketed by the industry worldwide.

The high adhesion and density of HIPIMS coatings enhances protection ability against harsh environments with high temperature oxidation, wear and corrosion such as aerospace and power generation gas turbines, automotive engine components, hydraulic parts, cutting tools as well as in more delicate long life environments such as biomedical implants. The high density of the films brings performance enhancements in semiconductor wafer packaging, photovoltaic cell layers (absorber, back and front contacts) and antibacterial treatment.

The National HIPIMS Technology Centre, supported by the Higher Education Innovation Fund 2014, is the only one of its kind in the UK. It delivers a competitive advantage to regional, national and international businesses and encourages economic growth through the research and work in the field of the HIPIMS technology. The diagram below outlines the various aspects of this research and development (click to enlarge).

The National HIPIMS Technology Centre Services

Industrial research and consultancy services

We engage in contract research to develop application-tailored HIPMS coatings, HIPIMS-based equipment or to assess the suitability of HIPIMS techniques for your products.

Demonstrator coating batches

We can demonstrate the performance of HIPIMS coatings on smaller batches prior to committing to full-scale production.

HIPIMS coatings quality control service

We perform tests on samples to provide quality assurance.

On-site HIPIMS training

Our training courses can be tailored to meet your company’s requirements and delivered at your site.

International Conference on HIPIMS

This annual event held with the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films facilitates connections with contacts from the worldwide HIPIMS community.

More information and current important dates can be found at www.hipimsconference.com

Access to the expertise of the Joint Sheffield Hallam University, Fraunhofer IST HIPIMS Research Centre

This collaborative Centre was established in 2010 to combine the knowledge and accumulated know-how in the field of HIPIMS in our two institutions and to accelerate the implementation of the technology in industry.

Industrial Company Membership

The National HIPIMS Technology Centre was established thanks to the strong support of UK industry to address the demand for novel manufacturing technologies. Current membership includes PVD coating suppliers, equipment manufacturers and end users.

National HIPIMS Technology Centre steering committee

Professor Arutiun P. Ehiasarian
Head of National HIPIMS Technology Centre

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), Sheffield Hallam University

Professor Wayne Cranton
Dean of Research, Sheffield Hallam University

Professor Andrew Alderson
Director of the Research and Innovation Research Institute, Sheffield Hallam University

Research, Technical and Business Information Contact

Download the National HIPIMS Technology Centre Brochure here.

Professor Arutiun P. Ehiasarian
National HIPIMS Technology Centre
Materials and Engineering Research Institute
Sheffield Hallam University
Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
Email A.Ehiasarian@shu.ac.uk
Telephone 0044 114 225 3646