In many tool applications, hardness of the coating is an important asset, as well as a good adhesion of the coating. But there are also other features of coatings that can become a huge advantage. Non-sticking for example is very important when machining soft materials such as aluminium or plastics. It enhances the lifespan of the tool and increases the productivity of the tooling equipment. Smoothness on the other hand can be a huge advantage for forming tools. This feature can eliminate the post-treatment step in the process. Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings offer many advantages for tools coating applications.
Machining Aluminium Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coatings are already widely used in automotive applications for their excellent features for tribological purposes. The friction coefficient of DLC coatings is low and the material is non-sticking. Depending on the technology used to deposit the coating (PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), such as arc evaporation and magnetron sputtering or PACVD (Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition), the features can be adapted to the application. DLC on tools are very suitable for coating drills, inserts, end mills, saw blades, taps, punches, (plastic) moulds and dies. Apart from its use in machining aluminium, DLC coating can also be used on tools for machining other non-ferrous metals and plastics.
Optimum Adhesion and Hardness Hydrogen-free DLC (ta-C) is another possibility for tool applications. It is characterized by high hardness and a very low friction coefficient. Now that Hauzer Techno Coating has solved the adhesion issues, a range of ta-C coatings with good adhesion and excellent hardness values becomes available, which can be industrially applied. The hydrogen-free ta-C coatings are produced by using advanced arc technology and have a diamond-like structure (mainly sp3). A typical hardness of up to 7000 HV can be achieved with ta-C coatings. The typical friction coefficient is between 0.02 and 0.1. The advantageous features of ta-C together with the solution for the adhesion issues, make this coating a real promise for the future of precision tooling.
You can find all the necessary information about tools coating here: http://www.hauzertechnocoating.com/index/EN/Tool%20Coating/42/0/
Rockwell indent showing excellent adhesion of ta-C coating.
Hauzer Techno Coating BV Van Heemskerckweg 22 5928 LL Venlo The Netherlands T +31 77 355 9777 www.hauzertechnocoating.com [email protected]
