DLC / PVD Coatings for Precision Industrial Wear Components
In addition to the unique tribological properties of the PVD/DLC coatings, the following attributes of these coatings make them a very attractive option for specific applications:
- Material flexibility: Prudent PVD coating selection allows manufacturers to specify less expensive base materials without compromising product performance. The selection of the base material is not based upon the inherent surface hardness capabilities of the material, but rather on the bulk mechanical properties the component is required to have. The surface properties can be tailored by using an appropriate PVD coating. Hence, the base material is not required to be versatile and have the right combination of bulk and surface properties - thereby, lower cost based material options are possible.
- Biocompatibility for medical and food-contact applications. All the commonly deposited PVD coatings are biocompatible and hence are utilized for a wide range of medical applications, including orthopedic and spline implants; cardiovascular devices; and surgical instruments. PVD coatings are also widely utilized to improve the durability of food handling and processing equipment.
- Hard chromium & nickel plating replacement for a broad range of performance (non-decorative) applications. Most tribological PVD coatings are harder than both chromium and nickel plating and so have superior wear resistance. In addition, DLC coatings have a coefficient of friction which is 300-500% lower than these platings. PVD coating deposition also does not suffer from any of the environmental issues that are encountered dung the plating process.
- Stainless Steels: PVD coatings offer an effective option for improving the surface hardness and galling resistance of stainless steel components, without compromising their corrosion resistance. PVD coatings do not impact or modify the surface chemical composition of the stainless steel component - hence preserves its original and inherent corrosion resistance - but imparts a significant improvement in wear, scuffing and galling resistance.
- Lubricant and grease free operations. This is especially relevant for medical, food handling and outer space applications where the usage of lubricants and greases is not permissible. For these applications, DLC coatings are ideal for friction reduction and can serve as a very effective solid-film 'lubricant'.
The physical properties of several PVD coating and specifically, DLC coatings, makes them an ideal solution to improve the performance of precision mechanical components utilized across a diverse range of industry segments and applications, including the following: