Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum-based process used to apply a thin coating of metal or other material onto a substrate. It involves the creation of a vaporized form of the coating material by heating, sputtering, or evaporation, which is then deposited onto the substrate in order to form a thin, uniform film. PVD is often used to improve the wear and corrosion resistance of parts, enhance their appearance, and increase their lifetime.