Application of ion implantation in tooling industry

In papers published during the last half of the 1980s it is often stated that the application of ion beams to non-semiconductor purposes seems ready for full-scale industrial exploitation. However, progress with respect to commercialisation of ion implantation has been slower than predicted, although the process is quite clearly building up niche markets, especially in the tooling industry. It is the main purpose of this paper to discuss the implementation of the process in the tooling market, and to describe strategies used to ensure its success. The basic idea has been to find niches where ion implantation out-performs other processes both technically and in prices. For instance, it has been clearly realised that one should avoid competing with physical vapour deposition or other coating techniques in market areas where they perform excellently, and instead find niches where the advantages of the ion implantation technique can be fully utilised. The paper will present typical case stories in order to illustrate market niches where the technique has its greatest successes and potential.