As a further solution to specific wear related applications, TD Coating Centre offers Titanium Nitride (TiN), Titanium Aluminium Nitride (Futura NANO), Alunimium Chromium Nitride (AlCRONA) and Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) (DLC only on manufactured items). Performed through the process of Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD), these coatings are produced in a state of the art Oerlikon Balzers coating system. Very even coating layers at a thickness of 3 microns ± 1 micron are deposited on suitable substrates.
With their distinctive bright gold (TiN), dark purple (NANO) and bright grey (AlCrN) these coatings add far more than just an attractive finish. The black DLC is the latest developement and feature a super low co-efficient of friction. PVD coatings have made their mark on the manufacturing industry through their extensive use throughout the world in the cutting tool market, decorative durable coatings, medical implants, and tooling as well as component coatings. Although the cutting and machine tool market still remains the biggest application for these coatings, their excellent properties can be taken advantage in many other tooling and component related applications.
What does PVD offer?
As the name suggests PVD is a physical deposition of (in our case) titanium containing 
vapor on the surface of a steel. This is a line-of-sight process and is fully computer controlled and performed in a complex coating system made by the world leaders in PVD Coating – Oerlikon Balzers. The advantages of high precision, high hardness, exceptionally thin coatings performed at medium range temperatures (~500 °C) means these coatings can be applied to a broad range of materials and applications and outperforming other processes in their niche.
Properties
-
Controlled coating thickness of 2-4 microns
- Micro hardness of 2300 Hv (TiN) to 3300Hv (NANO)
- Oxidation resistance up to 900°C
- Process temperature less than 500°C
- Good adhesion to sharp cutting edges
- Low coefficient of friction
Benefits
-
Highest precision and repeatability
- Low distortion
- Good abrasion and adhesive wear resistance
- Excellent for sharp edge applications such as cutting, punching and blanking
- Can be applied to a wider range of tool steels, such as HSS and Powder Metallurgical (PM) steels as well as tungsten carbide and stellite.
- Preserves highly polished surface finishes
Applications
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Precision metal working tools and dies (including our Fang range of punches)
- Pierce punches, trim and blanking tools
- Cold forging tools and trim dies
- Cutting Tools and Inserts
- Taps and Dies
- Plastic Injection Moulding Parts (sliding and rotating cores and inserts, screw tips, slides)
- Blades
- Machine Parts, etc.
As with anything, there is good PVD and poor PVD and much is dependent on the preparation of the part before coating is applied. We offer superior PVD, by matching the application to the coating required, pre- and post polishing where necessary, as well as assistance with base material selection and heat treatment specifications to make the job work for you.
In many cases, it is not possible to undo certain processes or manufacturing steps that are required to take the advantages that the coating has to offer. This is where our ability and experience with manufacture of precision custom tooling brings out the best performance of our coatings and we can offer a complete manufactured solution. See our manufacturing page for more.
Comparison of Coatings
So which PVD coating is best for the job? Fortunately, the coatings have the majority of their applications in the same range and therefore a critical error can not be made between the two.DLC is mainly used where super low friciton is required.
| TiN | NANO | ALCRONA | DLC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Most economical | TiN + 20% | ~ NANO | ~ NANO |
| Micro Hardness (Hv) | 2300 | 3300 | 3200 | Depends on type, 2000-3000, 5000-9000 |
| Range of Application | Very high | High | High | Highest |
| Work Materials | Copper based alloys can adhere, otherwise all | All materials | All materials | All materials, especially resistant to aluminium sticking |
| Coeff. of Friction | 0.4 | 0.3-0.35 | 0.35 | 0.1 |
| Max Service Temp | 600 °C | 900 °C | 1100°C | 350-400 °C |
| Bonding Strength | Very Good | Good | Good | Good |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
Most often TiAIN (Futura NANO) is recommended as it is harder and smoother and seems to have a decreased tendency for adhesion to the work materials. If adhesion is considered a dominant factor, then TiN ( titanium nitride) is preferred.
DLC
For more information on DLC, follow this link.
PVD vs TD
For a comparison table of TD coating vs PVD coating, please click here