Custom Fixturing for Complex Geometries (Golf Putters)

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This project showcases the engineering ingenuity required before the coating process even begins, focusing on the critical aspect of fixture design for parts with challenging, non-uniform shapes. The success of any PVD application is highly dependent on how the substrate is presented to the plasma source.

The Challenge: Maximum Surface Exposure

Items like golf putters (specifically the head, as shown in the images) have complex contours, deep recesses, and varying angles. The challenge is to design a specialized fixture that holds the part in the coating chamber in a way that allows for maximum, uniform exposure of the entire surface to the coating material. Any area shaded by the fixture or another part will result in an incomplete, poor-quality coating prone to flaking or uneven coverage.

A detailed close-up of a black PVD-coated golf putter head with a modern design, highlighting the smooth, flawless finish and showcasing the coating's durability and aesthetic appeal.

The Solution: Bespoke Fixture Engineering

The client’s solution involves designing and manufacturing a specific, custom fixture tailored to the geometry of the golf putter head .

  • Flawless Coverage: The fixture ensures the part’s placement is perfectly angled to avoid ‘shadowing’ on the back or recessed areas.
  • Preventing Flaking: Optimal placement minimizes stress points during the process and guarantees a homogenous coating thickness, which is vital for long-term durability and prevents flaking at edges or corners.

This commitment to bespoke fixturing is crucial for successfully coating special tools or parts and is a key differentiator in PVD quality. The successful coating of both a black finished putter and a bronze/rose gold finished putter demonstrates the versatility and precision of their fixture design process.