Research and Development

Maintaining a rapid pace of innovation and staying in touch with the latest technologies are the main priorities of STATON in research and development. Our focus is primarily on the development of tools, coatings, and coating equipment.

PVD technologies — low-temperature coatings (around 160–180 °C) using highly ionized plasma — expand the possibilities for applying metal coatings in new areas. The continuous and accelerating development of nanotechnology further supports innovations in both materials and surface treatments.

STATON conducts its research and development activities in collaboration with universities and research institutions. In the past, the company has carried out numerous projects with Comenius University in Bratislava, the University of Žilina, and the Slovak Academy of Sciences in Košice. In cooperation with the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics at Comenius University, STATON established a scientific research centre focused on the development of thin films for various applications. In 2013, a branch of Comenius University was set up within the shared premises.

Intellectual Property Rights

STATON, s.r.o. has secured several intellectual property rights:

• Plasma source using a cathode vacuum arc with an improved magnetic field configuration and method of operation – Utility Model No. 9009
• European Union Trademark No. 018561324 – PLASMAgTECHNOLOGY
• European Union Trademark No. 018561322 – nanoP.AgANTIMICROBIAL FILM
• Vacuum ARC cathode plasma source with enhanced magnetic field configuration – Patent Application No. PP50032-2019

Research

The scientific and implementation collaboration between Comenius University in Bratislava and STATON, s.r.o., based in Turany, spans more than twenty years. This partnership focuses on the application of hard, wear-resistant coatings, tool wear, and the development of tribological protective coatings for various components using advanced PVD (arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering) and PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) techniques.

The researchers and technical staff involved bring many years of experience in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, thin films, and plasma physics.

The design and construction of our own coating equipment, combined with the research and development of new high-quality nanostructured and nanocomposite coatings, are central to our work and form the core of the services we provide to our customers.

Focus

We are constantly seeking new and promising approaches to enhance the quality of our products. We have implemented advanced HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) and HITUS (High Target Utilization Sputtering) techniques for applying next-generation coatings. The latest addition to our research capabilities is the completion of the development of pulse-filtered ARC technology.

The laboratory focuses on the research and development of new plasma technologies, as well as the characterization and analysis of deposited coatings. Properties such as hardness, coefficient of friction, adhesion, and thermal stability, among others, strongly depend on the coating’s structure, composition, and application method. These properties can be accurately measured at our facility, which is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical instruments.

Analysis and Specifics of Coatings

• Chemical composition: EDS/WDS, GDOES, XPS
• Coating morphology and cross-section imaging: SEM/FIB
• Structure and phase evolution: high-temperature XRD up to 1100 °C
• Thickness: Calotest
• Adhesion: normal force up to 200 N
• Hardness and Young’s modulus: nanoindentation
• Coefficient of friction and wear resistance: tribometer up to 1000 °C
• Surface roughness: non-contact interferential profilometer
• Thermal stability: furnace up to 1600 °C in vacuum or inert/air environment

Examples of Coating Analyses Conducted in Collaboration Between Comenius University in Bratislava and STATON, s.r.o.

Projects

2017–2023: Project “Research Center for Advanced Materials and Innovative Technologies Based on Nanostructured Coatings for Technical and Biomedical Applications” under the Research and Innovation Operational Program. Applicant: STATON, s.r.o.; Partner: Comenius University in Bratislava

2012–2014: Project “Center for Research and Development of Plasma Technologies in Turany” within the Operational Program Research and Development (ITMS: 26220220166). Applicant: STATON, s.r.o.; Partner: Comenius University in Bratislava

2012–2014: Project “Modernization of the Scientific and Implementation Workplace” within the Operational Program Research and Development (ITMS: 26210120010). Applicant: STATON, s.r.o.; Partner: Comenius University in Bratislava

2009–2012: Project “Universal Experimental Plasma Device” within the Operational Program Research and Development (ITMS: 26220220004). Applicant: Comenius University in Bratislava; Partner: STATON, s.r.o.

Certificate of Competence
STATON, s.r.o. is certified to conduct scientific research by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.

Certification

With many years of experience in industrial production and complex European projects, STATON places quality at the forefront. We prioritise the excellence of our products, services, and all other outputs. This commitment is reflected in our acquisition of quality management system certifications across multiple areas:

ISO 9001:2015 – Scope Numbers:

17 – Manufacture, grinding, and surface treatment of cutting tools
34 – Welded structures
35 – Research and development in the field of natural sciences and engineering