Advanced Coating Performance
| Coating Type | Technical Properties | Performance Advantages | Ideal Applications | Benchmark Data |
| TiN (Titanium Nitride) | – Hardness: HV 2300 – Thickness: 2-4μm – Friction Coefficient: 0.4-0.6 | – 200% lifespan increase vs. uncoated tools – Excellent adhesion (HF1 per VDI 3198) – Cost-effective for general use | – Blanking dies – Plastic injection molds – Cutting tools | ISO 20523:2017 Wear rate: 1.2×10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm |
| AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride) | – Hardness: HV 2800 – Max Temp: 800°C – Oxidation Resistance: >1000h@700°C | – 150% higher thermal stability vs. TiN – 3X better oxidation resistance – Maintains hardness at elevated temps | – High-speed stamping – Hot forging dies – Extrusion tools | DIN EN 1071-2 Thermal cycling: 5000+ cycles |
| DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) | – Hardness: HV 3000-4000 – Friction: μ<0.1 – Surface Finish: Ra<0.05μm | – 50% reduction in surface roughness – Anti-galling properties – Biocompatible (ISO 10993-5) | – Medical device stamping – Connector contacts – Optical lens molds | ASTM F2328-17 Corrosion resistance: 10X bare steel |
TiN (Titanium Nitride) Coating – The Cost-Effective Workhorse for General Tooling
Technical Breakdown & Applications:
TiN’s gold-colored coating provides a hardness of HV2300 (2X harder than tool steel) through PVD deposition. Its balanced 2-4μm thickness and moderate friction (μ=0.4-0.6) make it ideal for high-volume stamping of mild steels and plastics, where it extends die life by 200% versus uncoated tools. For example, in washer blanking dies, TiN maintains sharp edges for over 500,000 cycles. However, its oxidation resistance limits use to <600°C – avoid aluminum/magnesium hot forming. Best for budget-conscious production of automotive fasteners and consumer electronics molds.
AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride) Coating – The Thermal Warrior for Extreme Conditions
Technical Breakdown & Applications:
With HV2800 hardness and 800°C thermal stability, AlCrN’s nano-layered structure forms a protective Al₂O₃ layer at high temps. This coating shines in high-speed stamping of stainless steels (e.g., automotive exhaust parts), where it lasts 3X longer than TiN under thermal cycling. Real-world data from progressive dies show 1.2 million presses before recoating vs. 400K with TiN. The gray-violet coating requires polished substrates (Ra≤0.1μm) for optimal adhesion. Perfect for hot forging brass fittings or titanium medical component forming.
DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) Coating – The Friction Slayer for Precision Applications
Technical Breakdown & Applications:
DLC’s amorphous carbon matrix delivers HV3000-4000 hardness and the industry’s lowest friction (μ<0.1). Its 50% surface roughness reduction (to Ra<0.05μm) prevents material adhesion in medical needle punching or connector pin stamping. In iPhone SIM tray molds, DLC achieves 2M+ cycles without galling. The black coating is deposited via PACVD at <200°C, making it safe for pre-hardened steels. Though costly (2.5X TiN), it’s unmatched for non-lubricated forming of copper/beryllium alloys.
Coating Selection
| Category | TiN (Titanium Nitride) | AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride) | DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) |
| Temperature Limit | ≤600°C | ≤800°C | ≤400°C |
| Cost Ratio | 1.0X (Baseline) | 1.8X | 2.5X |
| Optimal Use Case | High-volume bulk parts | High-speed/high-temp forming | Precision micro-features |
| Substrate Prep | Ra≤0.2μm + Plasma cleaning | Ra≤0.1μm + Plasma cleaning | Ra≤0.05μm + Plasma cleaning |
| Industry Certifications | AMS 2433 (Aerospace) | IATF 16949 (Automotive) | ISO 10993-5 (Medical) |
| Failure Mode | Oxidation above 600°C | Layer delamination in extreme thermal cycling | Brittle fracture under impact |