Founded in 1995, Intlvac has been a trailblazer in thin film deposition and materials science for nearly three decades. The company was formed from the merger of Canadian Vacuum Equipment and Process and Vacuum Technology, with roots tracing back to 1967. Dino Deligiannis, the founder and president, utilized his background in physics and technical sales to launch and expand Intlvac globally. “Our journey began with a vision to innovate and lead in the field of thin film deposition,” says Deligiannis.
In 2012, Intlvac Thin Film was established in Niagara Falls, New York, to support U.S. clients, later moving to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2016. This strategic move aimed to better serve clients and grow the company’s presence. “Our expansion has enabled us to grow our US-based coating and consulting services, doubling in size this year with plans to double again in 2025”, Deligiannis explains. Intlvac Canada remains the primary manufacturing hub, supplying products to Intlvac Thin Film.
The company’s core products and services include turnkey systems, ion sources, and coating services. For instance, their Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating technology is a stable and repeatable process that focuses on high volume output. “Our DLC coatings are unmatched in their reliability and performance,” Deligiannis notes. Additionally, the Nanochrome and Nanoquest systems offer high throughput and versatility, enabling customers to innovate and scale production effortlessly.
A commitment to continuous improvement drives Intlvac’s approach to research and development. “Process development leads to system development, and system development leads to coating development,” Deligiannis emphasizes. Specializing in producing machinery and thin films for various applications, including MEMS, GMR devices, precision optical coatings, and infrared optical films, Intlvac invests heavily in R&D and industry relationships. “Our investment in R&D ensures we maintain high standards and set the bar for thin film coating technology,” he adds.
Differentiating itself from competitors, Intlvac focuses on materials science and system optimization to create a state-of-the-art coating facility. “We challenge ourselves every day to be at the cutting edge of thin film coating technology,” Deligiannis says. This unique approach allows the company to tackle new projects with a deep understanding of materials science. “Our products never remain at a standstill; providing technology solutions is our daily mantra” he asserts.
In the hydrogen sector, Intlvac Hydrogen has developed key technologies, including protective coatings for bipolar plates and low-temperature multi-layer coatings by Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). “Our amorphous hard carbon coatings for bipolar plates significantly reduce the size and weight of fuel cells while improving efficiency and durability,” Deligiannis explains. The PVD coatings, on the other hand, reduce the amount of precious metals used in electrolyzers, aligning with the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “These innovations are game-changers for the hydrogen industry,” he adds.
Notable projects and collaborations include partnerships with the University of Trois-Rivières and the Fuel Cell and Green Energy Laboratory at the University of Waterloo. “Our collaboration with Professor Xianguo Li at the University of Waterloo aims to investigate amorphous hard carbon barrier layers. Focusing on adhesion mechanisms between bipolar metal plates and the hard carbon coatings,” Deligiannis says. These partnerships exemplify Intlvac’s dedication to advancing hydrogen technology and fostering meaningful collaborations. “We leverage academic expertise to develop practical applications that benefit industry professionals and the broader community,” he notes.
Research and development at Intlvac are driven by a team of specialists with deep knowledge of deposition techniques. “Our state-of-the-art metrology lab allows us to quantify our coatings in house, which expedites high-volume coating orders,” Deligiannis explains. The company’s expertise extends to telecommunications, the space industry, and auto part manufacturing, providing a wide range of thin film coatings for various applications. “Our coatings enhance performance, durability, and functionality,” he adds.
Quality and customer satisfaction are paramount at Intlvac. The company follows a Quality Management System (QMS) that adheres to manufacturing standards and ensures that all products are made with quality materials and exceptional workmanship. “We ensure that only new equipment and the latest technology are used in our machines,” Deligiannis emphasizes. Multiple certifications and transparent documentation of their work reflect Intlvac’s commitment to customer care. “Our customers know we will be there for them as their needs evolve,” he asserts.
Sustainability is a core value at Intlvac. In 2015, the company transformed its Halton Hills facility’s rooftop into a solar farm, reducing its dependence on local utilities. “Our solar farm initiative contributes clean energy back into the grid,” Deligiannis notes. Intlvac Hydrogen’s PVD systems also reduce the consumption of precious metals, making production processes more environmentally friendly. “We are committed to sustainability in all aspects of our operations,” he adds.
The company culture at Intlvac is rooted in continuous research and collaboration. “Our environment encourages open communication and teamwork,” Deligiannis says. Valuing diversity and talent development, Intlvac collaborates with local universities to provide platforms for students and professionals to conduct experiments. “Our success is a shared goal, and we believe in investing in our people,” he adds.
Looking ahead, Intlvac aims to push the boundaries of thin film deposition technology and expand its capabilities in high-volume production coating systems. “Our focus is on enhancing partnerships with industrial clients and delivering robust, scalable coating solutions,” Deligiannis explains. The company is investing heavily in R&D to innovate new functionalities and improve existing systems. “We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are dedicated to supporting our clients’ operational and strategic objectives,” he asserts.
Over the years, Intlvac has adapted to changes and challenges in the industry by expanding its portfolio of intellectual properties and refining its systems and coating services. “Our extensive IP portfolio enables us to venture into emerging industries with confidence,” Deligiannis explains. The company’s versatility and commitment to innovation ensure it remains at the forefront of industry evolution. “We are a reliable partner for those seeking excellence and innovation,” he concludes.
