Sputtering targets are materials used to produce thin films in a technique known as sputter deposition, or thin film deposition. In this process, the sputtering targets start off as a solid and is then split up by gaseous ions into small particles that form a spray and coat a material, which is called the substrate.
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Sputtering targets are often overlooked as a source of precious metal scrap. Let’s take a look at why you should seek to recycle any sputtering target scrap you own.
Sputter deposition is often involved in the production of semiconductors and computer chips. As such, most sputtering target materials are metallic alloys or elements, although some ceramic targets are available that create hardened thin coatings for some tools.
Once a sputtering target has been used, most will assume it is now useless. However, there is usually some valuable metal material left that should be recycled. In many cases, the metal could even turn out to be an incredibly rare precious metal like rhodium that can often be recycled as well.
Here’s a list of all the sputtering targets that are worth recycling:
Aluminum sputtering is often used for semiconductor applications. Though it is not the most valuable metal, it is still in demand due to its versatility. You can find recycled aluminum in almost any modern vehicle or airplane, and it is used in many household items. Aluminum is also great for heat resistance, which makes it the perfect metal for containers.
Copper is often used for electrodes and other applications where electrical conductivity is crucial. It’s not rare, but it is used in many applications like plumbing, wiring and windshield films.
Tin can be applied to many materials to improve their properties. It is used in sputtering to improve corrosion resistance.
Zinc targets are also used for their corrosion resistance. When it is sputtered onto another metal, it can be a corrosion barrier, which is why it’s typically used to produce cathodes. Zinc can also be found in batteries, propellants and paints.
Precious metals like gold, silver and platinum are sometimes used in sputtering applications. They provide a combination of chemical inertness and electrical conductivity, which makes them excellent for instrument and electrode production. They are also worth recycling for their financial value alone.
Sputtering deposition is one of the most common processes used for thin film deposition: the coating of a surface with a layer of material ranging from fractions of a nanometer to several micrometers in thickness. Thin film deposition is essential to manufacturing of many modern electronic and optical components
Sputtering deposition uses a plasma, usually formed from a non-reactive gas, to bombard a target---a source of the material to be deposited as a thin film---and knock the atoms of the target material out of its bulk. The ejected atoms then land on the substrate and form a thin film. Since the target does not need to be heated, the technique is very flexible for a wide range of applications. Targets can be composed of pure elements as well as compounds or mixtures.
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Our standard target sizes range from 1" to 8" in diameter and from 2mm to 1/2" thick. We can also provide targets outside this range in addition to just about any size rectangular, annular, or oval-shaped target. Other shapes are available by request.
For large area thin film deposition, American Elements produces rotatable sputtering targets via casting or plasma deposition onto a tubular substrate. Rotatable sputtering targets are available up to 1,000 mm in length and can be produced from a number of single element, oxide and alloy materials for use in many applications where large film areas are required, such as photovoltaic device fabrication. All machined pieces are produced by casting oversized blanks, and machining down to required specifications. They are usually machined to tolerances of +0.010"/-0" on diameter, length or width, and +/-0.005" on thickness. Larger targets are also finished to a flatness within 0.015". We can accommodate tighter tolerances upon request.
American Elements casts any of the rare earth metals and most other advanced material into rod, bar or plate form, as well as other machined shapes. All as-cast rods, bars and plates are produced from either the pure metal Ingots or sublimed metals. We have a variety of standard sized rod molds, from a minimum of 1/4" diameter up to 3" diameter for most rod needs. Plates are also offered in standard thicknesses, from 1/4" thick to 1" thick. Maximum rod lengths and maximum plate sizes are dependent on melt capacity and furnace room. Small diameter rods may have only a 4"-6" maximum cast length, whereas larger diameter rods may be cast up to about 16" long. Plate sizes can be cast up to a size of 24" x 16". As-cast rods or plates are saw-cut to length or final dimensions, and the metal surface may have visible flow marks.
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