Combined Plasma Nitriding and PACVD Surface Treatments of Metal-Forming Tools

The lifetime of semicold and hot-forming tools is in comparison to other forming operations much lower because of the complex thermomechanical and tribological stress on the tools. To enhance the tool life the Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Technologie and Automation (IPA), Stuttgart realized a combined nitriding and hard ceramic coating process without interruption. TiN coatings were deposited on the tools. Variations were made by the nitriding and process parameters. Getting better surface protection layers, improved tool life and resistance to abrasion were the objectives of these experiments.