Foster PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a nanotechnology that allows to give color to stainless steel through a physical process, by sublimating precious metal compounds on the steel surface, that give the steel unique and resistant colors.
Foster PVD is NOT a coating, nor does it involve the use of chemicals. It is achieved by following a special procedure that our R&D department has been developing since 2010.
How to obtain Foster PVD
In order to obtain Foster PVD it is necessary to follow a rigid and meticulous process, resulting in a technical PVD able to withstand high temperatures and wear. The Foster process involves several procedures and process attentions that can be simplified in:
Impeccable materials and finishes
In order to obtain Foster PVD it is necessary to start from a careful selection of stainless steels and a meticulous attention to the finishing of the product; this particular attention has always been in Foster's DNA
An uncontaminated product
To obtain Foster PVD it is necessary to follow a meticulous and special cleaning process of the products receiving the PVD treatment. The presence of impurities on the surface would not allow the treatment to reach Foster technical standards.
Careful selection of metals
Foster PVD is the result of continuous studies and a long process of research and development that has led us to select special and specific mixes of precious metals to obtain unique colors and a significantly higher strength compared to normal stainless steel.
Vacuum chamber processing
To obtain Foster PVD it is necessary to place the product in a special vacuum chamber where the mix of precious metals is sublimated by means of an electric current, passing from solid to gaseous state. The metal in its gaseous state precipitates on the stainless steel, physically melting with it and giving it a specific color.
Why are not all PVDs the same?
PVD is a technology used in various sectors and areas, in particular it is possible to distinguish two macro types of PVD, the Aesthetic and the Technical.
The Aesthetic PVD is obtained with the aim of decorating surfaces that are not affected by external agents such as wear and high temperature.
Technical PVD, used for example in the aerospace industry, is designed to increase the resistance of surfaces or metals. Foster has chosen to develop this specific technology, to obtain the best technical PVD for the kitchen environment.