Coating
Coatings are surface layers applied to tools (e.g. cutting and forming tools) to significantly improve certain properties – e.g. wear resistance, friction, heat resistance, adhesion and chemical resistance.
Typical coatings for thread tools: TiN, TiAlN, DLC, CrN etc.
Advantages:
- Longer tool life through increased hardness and abrasion resistance.
- Better behaviour under heat and with lubricants through optimised thermal properties.
- Reduced friction and improved chip evacuation through reduced adhesion.
- Increased process reliability and productivity.
Practical example:
A tap with TiAlN coating remains considerably sharper and more efficient when machining stainless steel than an uncoated tool, reducing tooling costs and improving machining quality.