Modification of surfaces of forming tools, such as forms, matrices, nibblers, punches and bending tools, by PVD coatings with low coefficient of friction and high hardness improves their performance and productivity and extends their lifetime. The coating protects the tool from sticking of the cut material to nibbler, facilitates the removal of cut material during releasing of nibbler and prevents the tool from jamming. The PVD technology can be used for coating of various tooling types used for forming metal, plastic and composite materials.
The main advantages of coating of forming tools include:
- increased hardness and toughness and thus increased wear resistance
- decreased coefficient of friction and thus reduced lubricant usage
- increased corrosion resistance and thus prolonged tool lifetime
- improved tool quality and thus reduced downtime and tool maintenance
- wide range of applications possible
What more, the PVD deposition procedure takes place at temperatures of about 200 – 300°C and thus allows coating of forming tools and injection mold components made of tool steels which are typically tempered at 200 – 300°C without losing their intrinsic hardness (58 – 62 HRC).
