TiCN PVD Coating: Ultimate Guide
TiCN PVD coating is used in different applications as it enhances the properties of the materials and makes them suitable for different environments.
If you are looking forward to learning about the process of TicN PVD coating and its associated benefits and applications, you can go through this guide below.
What is TiCN PVD Coating?
TiCN is a compound made with nitrogen, titanium, and carbon. It creates a ceramic material that is applied in the form of a coating.
The process of PVD vaporizes the titanium in a vacuum chamber so that it reacts with carbon and nitrogen. A thin and hard layer is then created on the surface of the component.
TiCN PVD coating offers hardness and wear resistance, which enhances the life of the components on which it is applied.
This layer even makes the components suitable for applications involving high temperatures and the unique color it has enhances the visual look of the tools that are coated.
General Steps Involved in TiCN PVD Coating
The process of applying TiCN PVD coating involves various steps, and these are given below:
Preparation of Surface
The first stage is where the surface subjected to coating is prepared. The process starts with cleaning the component or tool and wiping off oil, dirt, or any other contaminants.
Cleaning is a crucial stage, as if there is any contaminant, the quality of the coating can be compromised. Some components may need pre-treatments so that the results of coating can be enhanced.
Loading Components in Coating Chamber
After cleaning the components, they are loaded into the PVD coating chamber. The chamber has fixtures that hold the components in a secure way and ensure that the coating is carried out in a uniform way.
The PVD chamber is then evacuated so that a high vacuum environment can be created, which ensures that the coating application offers purity.
Preheating and Ion Bombardment
To enhance the surface of the components for better cleaning, ion bombardment is performed. It ensures that the coating is applied in a better way. The component is also heated to a certain temperature based on the material to be coated.
The step of preheating improves coating adhesion and also reduces the inner stress in the layer of coating.
Application of TiCN PVD Coating
In this stage, where the component is present in the chamber, titanium is added. After vaporizing, it creates plasma. Reactive gasses like carbon and nitrogen are also added to the chamber, and they react with titanium to create TiCN.
The layer of TiCN is then deposited on the component in the form of a thin coat. The process is carried out in a very controlled way to ensure that the thickness and uniformity of the coating is free from flaws.
Cooling of Component
As the process of coating is completed, the coated components are left to cool down so that the adhesion of the coating is attained as needed. Then, the components are removed from the chamber.
If required, some post-treatments may also be applied to the components which are coated with TiCN.
Benefits of TiCN PVD Coating
The benefits of titanium carbon nitride coating include the following:
Durable Tool Life
When the TiCN PVD coating is applied to the machining tools, the life of these tools increases due to the addition of wear resistance and hardness.
Due to the added durability of the tools, the time spent in changing the tools and money spent on replacement is saved.
Enhanced Tool Performance
The application of TiCN PVD coating offers improved heat resistance and lowers down friction.
It offers to ensure high speed of cutting in the machining tools and even higher feed rates. It helps in improving the efficiency and productivity of the machining operations.
Polyvalence
TiCN PVD coating is a versatile process. The coating can be applied to multiple types of components and tools and even on the molds created for manufacturing components through injection molding.
Moreover, it is suitable for application on various types of materials which include carbide, steel and many more.
Rapport coût-efficacité
TiCN PVD coating offers advanced mechanical properties in the components treated with it and makes them suitable for versatile applications. Hence, these coatings ensure high returns due to enhanced performance of tools and durability.
Moreover, the coating itself is not very expensive, and the process is cost-effective.
What Materials can be TiCN PVD-Coated?
There are various types of materials that can be TiCN PVD coated and some of these are the following:
High-Speed Steel
High speed steel is used in cutting tools and machining processes like drilling tools, end mills etc. The TiCN PVD coating adds wear resistance in the tools and also enhances their durability.
The application of this coating even increases the speed of the cutting tools ensuring a precise and faster process to take place.
Acier inoxydable
Stainless steel is a very commonly used metal which caters to various applications like aerospace, industrie médicale and even some industrial machines. These components need corrosion resistance.
The application of TiCN PVD coating makes them resistant to wear and corrosion, ensuring hardness in the stainless steel components.
Acier à outils
Acier à outils is suitable for applications that require components capable of handling high mechanical stress like molds and dies.
The application of TiCN PVD coating makes the components made of tool steel have low friction, enhance lifespan, and improve wear resistance.
Titanium and Aluminum Alloys
Titanium and aluminum alloys are opted for in aerospace, automobile, and electrical applications.
When TiCN PVD coating is applied to the components made using these alloys, the durability and wear resistance of these components increase. They even stay lightweight due to the layer being very thin.
Plastiques
Plastics are used in automobile, electronics, medical and various other types of industries. The TiCN PVD coating can also be applied on different types of plastics, which helps maintain flexibility and adds wear resistance and hardness.
Application of TiCN PVD Coating
The TiCN PVD coating is opted for multiple applications and caters to various industries. Some of these applications are given below:
Machining Tools
TiCN PVD coating is applied to the tools used for machining processes like end milling tools and drilling tools.
The application of this coating improves the lifespan of the tools. It makes them resistant to friction and wear and also offers to enhance their speed and feed rates.
Industrie automobile
The automobile industry involves manufacturing engine components like rocker arms, camshafts, and pistons, which require durability and resistance against friction and wear.
These components can be subjected to TiCN PVD coating, which enhances the life of these components and leads to improved fuel efficiency of the vehicles.
Industrie aérospatiale
The aerospace industry uses light components made of aluminum, which should be hard and durable and have high tensile strength to handle pressure.
Hence, to enhance the efficiency of aerospace operations, turbine blades, fasteners, and other structural components are subjected to TiCN PVD coatings, which ensure their reliability in sensitive applications.
Industrie médicale
TiCN PVD coating is a biocompatible coating that suits medical applications. Various compounds used in the medical field, like surgical instruments, medical implants, and other relevant tools that need an added coating may be coated with TiCN.
It enhances the hardness and reduces friction of the components, which is essential for enhanced performance of the medical procedures.
Conclusion
TiCN PVD coating is used to improve the properties of components and tools. So, it is important to ensure the coating is high quality and applied uniformly.
DEK offers to coat various components very precisely through TiCN PVD coating. If you need TiCN PVD coatings services, contact us.
FAQ
Is TiCN PVD coating good for stainless steel?
TiCN PVD coating is suitable for stainless steel as it enhances the strength and durability of stainless steel tools and components, offering abrasion resistance.
How to remove TiCN PVD coating?
You can remove TiCN PVD coating using hydrogen peroxide, which is applied carefully in limited quantities on the components coated with TiCN PVD coating.
