FACILITY AND METHOD FOR DEPOSITING A FUNCTIONAL COATING ON LOOSE PARTS

摘要

The invention relates to a low-cost, environmentally friendly facility and method for depositing a protective coating on loose parts while achieving good adhesiveness properties and excellent mechanical strength. Said facility (10) comprises a working vacuum chamber (11) provided with an inlet airlock (16) and an outlet airlock (17) that are air-tight and enable loose parts (P) to be fed in and out continuously. The working chamber (11) is divided into two separate compartments (12, 13) with a partition (14) therebetween provided with optionally sealed transfer means (15). The first compartment (12) comprises a first rotary barrel (18a) in which the loose parts are mixed, conveyed and processed all at the same time by a first processing station (19) provided with a plasma generator. The second compartment (13) comprises a second rotary barrel (20a) in which the loose parts are mixed, conveyed and processed all at the same time by a second processing station (21) provided with at least one steam source whereby at least one metal layer constituting said functional coating can be deposited. Said facility and method are suitable for use with all parts requiring protection against corrosion, wear, friction, etc., in both industrial and domestic contexts.