Embedded in a highly energetic plasma the tools are heated to at least 450°C. Positively charged ions bombard the tool surface.

It's like shot peening on an atomic scale. Gas pressure within the coating device reaches only some millionth of normal atmospheric pressure - space conditions.

The permanent blasting helps for a final surface cleaning before coating starts and it densifies the coatings during their growth.

It's an extreme environment to create materials with extraordinary loading capacities suitable for extreme applications.