Machine Tools

Machine Tools

... turning and ending with sophisticated near-net shape methods. The common denominator for majority of manufacturing methods is the use of tools. The cost of tooling can be a substantial part of the total manufacturing costs. Tools are often manufactured from expensive materials – steels, ceramics, even diamond - capable of withstanding repetitive exposure to the harsh manufacturing processes. Besides the materials cost, tools manufacturing costs can be also extremely high. For these reasons, any method allowing for extension of the tool life is extremely attractive from the cost perspective. PVD coatings are providing just that – longer life of the finished tool. The benefits of the coatings are numerous and typically can be measured and presented in explicit financial terms (fiscal benefit/tool = cost of a new tool X lifetime increase – cost of coating) that are well understood by both m anagement and purchasing.

There exist a great variety of various PVD coatings for application on metalworking tools – cutting, forming, casting and also specialized coatings for tools dealing with other materials – plastics, composites, wood etc. The range of applied coatings varies from a simple monolayer of TiN to multi-component nanolayered films, tailored for specific applications. Along with metalworking tools PVD coatings are widely used in plastic injection molding, providing anti-sticking properties and thus decreasing the duration maintenance stops.