Small volume PVD/CVD service needed

[Jonsey]

I'm working on a project and will require about 100 components (3" x 3"
stainless steel, flat sheet with curved lip on 3 sides)coated with TiN.
I have emailed 7 companies and not had a response from any. Is it
generally the case that these companies just won't deal with low volume?
I mean if things work out there would be more business in the future.
Just seems the companies offering these services aren't interested
unless you come to them with 6 figures worth of business off the bat.

Are there any companies that anyone here would recommend?

[Paul O]

Are these big national companies or small, local machine shops? Email is
a great communication tool. But its always better to make the initial
contact with a company by phone or in person. They can tell you right
away whether your order is worth their time.

For prototype work its usually easier to deal with a small local shop.
They are used to dealing with small production runs. Contact them by
phone and then go visit their shop so you can explain (in person) your
design requirements and answer any questions they may have.

Developing a good working relationships with your local machine shops
can be invaluable. Treat them well. They can really help out, especially
when you need something in a hurry.

--

Paul D Oosterhout
I work for SAIC (but I don't speak for SAIC)

[dvt]

In addition, you might try a local university with engineering or
materials departments. You might get a more specific suggestion if you
tell everyone your approximate location.

--
Dave
dvt at psu dot edu

[dvt]

dvt wrote:
> In addition, you might try a local university with engineering or
> materials departments. You might get a more specific suggestion if you
> tell everyone your approximate location.

Here's a facility I've used with success:

https://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cds/facil.htm

I don't know if they do TiN, and I don't know how they handle small jobs
for people outside the university. And they might be half a world away
from you.