Tool Coating Technology Overview and Prospects
For centuries, toolmakers have sought ways to improve the life and performance of cutting tools. One of the most successful methods has been to apply a coating to the surface of the cutting tool. Tool coatings are used in many industries such as automotive, aerospace, die and mold making, medical, and electronics.
Tool coatings enhance the performance of cutting tools by providing a harder, tougher, and smoother surface, improving heat and wear resistance, and reducing surface friction. Depending on the application and type of cutting tool, tool coatings can improve productivity and tool life, as well as reduce downtime and tool replacement costs.
There are many types of tool coatings available, such as chromium-based, titanium nitride (TiN), titanium carbonitride (TiCN), aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and diamond-like carbon (DLC). Coating thickness and adhesion are important factors in cutting tool performance. Depending on operator preference and application requirements, each coating has advantages and disadvantages.
Chromium-based coatings provide a wear-resistant surface and improved tool life, but they tend to wear quickly. TiN is one of the most prevalent and popular tool coatings, providing enhanced hardness and wear resistance. TiCN provides similar improvements with higher temperature and abrasion resistance. Al2O3 is a relatively new material, providing improved thermal conductivity and lubricity. DLC is a ultra-hard coating that can improve tool life dramatically in certain applications.
Toolmakers are constantly developing new and improved tool coatings. For example, nanocomposite coatings have attracted interest because of their improved hardness (compared to traditional coatings) and improved wear resistance. Additionally, other technologies such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) have been developed to apply tool coatings, increasing the thickness and adhesion of the coating.
Overall, tool coatings have become an important part of the fabrication process. In many cases, tool coatings can significantly improve the performance of cutting tools, increasing productivity, reducing downtime, and resulting in cost savings. As new technologies are developed, tool coatings will continue to remain a key element in cutting tool performance.
