What Are Sputtering Targets?
Sputtering targets are solid discs or sheets of metal or alloy used in a process called thin film deposition. In this process, atoms are knocked off the surface of the target using high energy particles in a vacuum environment. These atoms then travel and settle onto another surface such as glass, silicon, or ceramic to form an extremely thin and uniform layer. This technique is essential for creating high performance coatings and layers used in electronics, optics, aerospace, medical devices, and many other advanced technologies.
At Cookson Industrial, we manufacture sputtering targets using the highest purity precious metals and precision production methods to meet the strict requirements of research, development, and full scale manufacturing.
Applications of Sputtering Targets
Sputtering technology plays a vital role in a wide range of industries. These include:
- Microelectronics: Integrated circuits, semiconductors, and memory chips
- Optics and photonics: Anti reflective coatings, beam splitters, and laser mirrors
- Renewable energy: Thin film photovoltaic solar cells
- Medical technology: Biocompatible coatings on implants and surgical tools
- Aerospace and defence: Thermal control and radar absorbing surfaces
- Luxury and design: Decorative finishes on watches, jewellery, and architectural glass
Each application demands a different sputtering material and form, tailored to the required conductivity, reflectivity, durability, or aesthetic value.
Materials We Offer
Cookson Industrial produces sputtering targets in a broad range of precious and non precious metals, with a strong focus on:
Precious Metal Alloys
- Gold alloy: Exceptional conductivity, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal
- Silver alloy: Highest electrical conductivity and excellent reflectivity
- Platinum alloy: Superior stability under high temperatures and in harsh environments
Standard Diameter Options:
- 25.00 millimetres
- 57.00 millimetres
Thickness Range:
- From 0.10 to 1.00 millimetres
Other dimensions may be available upon request.
We also offer sputtering targets in other custom alloys and non precious metals to suit specific deposition processes.
End to End Manufacturing Capabilities
At Cookson Industrial, our sputtering targets are manufactured using advanced metallurgy and precision forming. We can support you from prototype to high volume production with:
- Vacuum casting and continuous casting in controlled atmospheres
- Computer aided design for customised target geometries
- CNC machining and turning for exacting tolerances
- Rolling and forming techniques for sheet or disc configurations
Our clean manufacturing environment and rigorous process control deliver targets with excellent flatness, homogeneity, and grain structure.
Unmatched Quality Assurance
We understand that sputtering targets must meet critical reliability and performance standards. That is why our in house metallurgical laboratory and chemical analysis teams ensure:
- Full traceability of materials
- Purity levels that meet or exceed industry benchmarks
- Surface quality and grain consistency
- Conformance to customer specifications and drawing tolerances
As part of our sustainability ethos, we also offer precious metal recycling and refining services, giving you value recovery and environmental responsibility in one.
Why Choose Cookson Industrial?
- Decades of experience in precious metal science
- Comprehensive tooling to meet diverse diameter requirements
- Scalable production from R and D to full industrial supply
- Customised material development and expert consultation
- Trusted supplier to semiconductor, optics, and aerospace sectors
Whether you are sourcing targets for cutting edge electronics or bespoke optical coatings, we have the capabilities to deliver on quality, consistency, and turnaround.
Ready to Order or Need a Custom Specification?
Explore our Sputtering Targets product range to browse standard options, or get in touch with a materials expert for a bespoke solution.
Contact our team to discuss your sputtering target needs or to request a quote.