Patent ID: 6776881
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing coated workpieces comprising the steps ofproviding a magnetron atomization chamber; providing in said atomization chamber a target body having in a new condition an atomization surface, F1, constituting a mirror-symmetrical concave surface constructed with respect to at least one plane; providing a magnetic circuit arrangement; providing an anode arrangement; providing a receiving frame, which extends around an edge of the target body, said receiving frame having a receiving opening for at least one workpiece; bounding a process space substantially by the atomization surface of the target body and the surrounding non-atomized residual interior surface of said receiving frame; selecting said non-atomized residual interior surface, F0 of said receiving frame except said opening to satisfy the relationship F9&lE;50% F1, thereby minimizing the surrounding non-atomized residual interior surface and thereby ensuring during an atomization operation a stable plasma discharge; electrically isolating said receiving frame from said target body; introducing a workpiece to be magnetron atomization coated into said opening of said receiving frame and atomization coating a surface of said workpiece facing said atomization surface.