PVD coating
for molds, cutting tools and machine parts
A full lineup of coatings, change manufacturing technology

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

PVD coating•••

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

High hardness value (2,000 – 3,000HV)
Low process temperature (under 500 ℃)
No change in dimensions (coating thickness at 3 μm)*Based on the characteristic of our standard coatingThin and hard metal-ceramic film

Increasing lifetime of the tools lead to improve productivity•

Mold is the most expensive part of the molding project, longer
the mold lifetime means lower the cost.
Longer the mold lifetime will reduce the number of the moldreplacement, downtime in production and operating cost.
Achieve a significant productivity improvement by selecting anappropriate coating material.

•

•

•

Enable to extend product lifetime significantly by forming athin and hard metal-ceramic film (TiN, CrN etc.) onto the
top surface of cutting tools or molds.
Achieves excellent wear resistance, due to hardness valueof metal-ceramic film range from 2,000-3,000HV, it’s about
3-7 times harder than general heat treated tool steel.
Process temperature of PVD coating is under 500 ℃ ,therefore, no heat treatment is required for dies steel orhigh-speed steel, it minimizes the change in dimensions.
Typical thickness of metal-ceramic film is 3 μm, it also canbe used for high-performance molds.

Uncoated 5,000 shots
PVD
coated3 times longer

15,000 shots

0

5000
10000
15000
Lifetime (Number of shots)

Uncoated

2,200,000JPY

PVD
720,000JPY
coated050

1/3 cost reduction

100

150

Example of mold cost at the time of 100K shots for forging parts

A cross-sectional observation of PVD coated surface layer

200

Mold cost (10K JPY)

250

Gives functional properties to mold surface
Friction coefficient is 0.1 (DLC type)Heat resistance temperature up to 1000 ℃ (Acro)Surface roughness Rz <0.2 (Smooth type)••

PVD coating achieve high-efficiency and high-accuracy of manufacturing technology, theconventional "hard coating film" which emphasizes wear resistance is changing to a "functional
coating film" that specializes in the required characteristics.
In addition to “Standard type”, we have developed our own “Smooth type”, “Thick film type”,“Deep hole type" and "DLC type" in-house, appropriate type of coating will be proposed for yourapplication.
• Standard type
• Smooth type• Thick film type
• Deep hole type
• DLC type

……
……
……
……
……

TiN / TiCN / TiAlN / CrN / Acro
Fine FT / Fine FG / Fine FC /Smooth AX / Smooth MX / Smooth CXViOLA / ViOLA-R / ViOLA-S / Acro9 / Acro9P
diXis-TiN / diXis-TiCN / diXis-TiAlN / diXis-CrN /diXis-Acro
DLC／DLC-i

Indentation hardness (GPa)A full lineup of 23 types of coating material

40

DLC-i
30

Higher heat resistant

TiCN
DLC

TiAlN
ViOLA
TiN

20

CrN

Higher hardness
Higher heat resistant

10

0
200

Acro
Acro9

400

600

800

1000

1200

Heat resistance temperature (℃)

Friction coefficient (against SUJ2)•••

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

0.6
0.5

Smoothing

MX/CX
FT/FC

TiN/TiAlN
CrN/Acro

0.4
0.3

SmoothingFG

0.2

Reducing friction
0.1
0.0
0.0

DLC

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

Surface roughness Rz (µm)

1.0

A full range of optional services

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

To improve the characteristics of a wide variety of products, a full range of optional services areavailable.
• Need to strengthen the steel substrate ………….…………….…… Radical nitriding treatment• Some areas don't want to coat ……………………………………… Masking instructions• Need to remove the coating ………….……………………………… Coating removal agent• Want to improve surface roughness
even if it is not a smooth type …………………………….… Lapping process• Want to remove foreign matter adhering to the surface …………… Shot blasting• Want to investigate the cause of mold problems ……………………. Surface analysis
Quick delivery achievement• Quick delivery is required during the final process of mold building, for this reason, the coatingprocess cannot be time-consuming.
• With our 8 PVD coating machines, we provide 3-7 days delivery time for PVD coating.
*Delivery time depends on the coating material and production situation, specific delivery time is available on request.

Coating Process

Customer

Delivery service
Hokunetsu service
Carry in

Hokunetsu

Delivery service
Hokunetsu service
Delivery ex-work

Customer

Standard type•••

HOKU-NETSU

Basic PVD coating

Surface Technology

Basic PVD coating suitable for cutting tools, molds and machine parts.
We support large workpieces with one of the largest AIP equipment in the industry.
We promise to improve your productivity with high performance, quick delivery and cost performance.
Industry standard arc ion plating• This is the most popular coating process for cutting tools and molds using the arc ion plating method.
• The target material is evaporated by arc discharge to efficiently coat the surface of the target workpiece.

Kobelco AIP-S70(Largest in Japan )• With the largest arc ion plating equipment in Japan,
coating treatment of large workpieces up to φ750 x
900 mm and 360 kg.
• Four units of arc ion plating equipment manufactured
by Kobelco allow us to process in a short deliverytime.

Heat resistant• Standard TiN, low-friction TiCN, heat and wear resistant TiAlN have a track record in a wide
range of applications.
• CrN has low affinity with resins and copper, makes it ideal for preventing adhesion.
• Acro, which is mainly composed of AlCrN, provides the highest heat resistance temperature of
1000°C in PVD coatings.

℃

Lineup of 5 types of Ti-based and Cr-based films
1200

1000

1000
800
600
400

800
600

700

400

200
0

TiN TiCN TiAlN CrN Acro

Standard type

HOKU-NETSU

Basic PVD coating

Surface Technology

Sample of use

LineupTiN

Titanium Nitride- Hardness: 20GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

TiCN

Titanium Carbon Nitride- Hardness: 28GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

TiAlN

Titanium Aluminum Nitride- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

CrN

Chromium Nitride- Hardness: 16GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

Acro

Aluminum Chrome bv Nitride- Hardness: 28GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

Balance of hardness, adhesion and heat resistance.
Titanium is a standard for coating- Heat resistance temp. : 600℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Characterized by high hardness and low friction
Coating for cold forming dies
- Heat resistance temp. : 400℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8- Friction coefficient : 0.2-0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Characterized by high hardness and heat resistanceCompatible with all cutting tools and dies
- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Wide range of applications from cutting tools to molds.
All-round heat resistant coating- Heat resistance temp. : 1000℃- Surface roughness : Rz＜1.5

The progress of wear on the drill edge is suppressed, greatly
improve the drill life.
・ Tool: φ6mm SKH51 drill・ Workpiece: SCM440 (thickness: 20mm)
・ V=18m/min, f=0.16mm/rev- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

5.5 times

120 holes

Uncoated

TiN

670 holes

0- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Strong adhesion to substrate and excellent reliability
Coating for mechanical parts- Heat resistance temp. : 700℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8

Drilling of steel (SCM440)

200

400

600

800

Lifetime (number of drilled holes)

Bending and forming of steel plate (SPCC)
Scratches on mold corners can be suppressed, greatly improve thelifetime of the mold.
・ Mold: SKD61 die
・ Workpiece: SPCC
・ Effectiveness: Suppression of bending scratches

4,000 shots

Uncoated

TiCN

3.7 times
15,000 shots

0

4000

8000

12000

Lifetime shots

16000

Smooth type•••

HOKU-NETSU

Dropletless PVD coating

Surface Technology

A high-performance PVD coating that suppresses the formation of surface irregularities.
Effective against galling, corrosion, and poor mold release in cold forming.
Compatible with polished finish molds and high-precision molds, as well as realizing improved moldability.
No galling, no adhesion

Unique smooth coating technology• For typical PVD coatings (AIP), microscopic irregularities
called droplets are formed on the surface.
• We have developed our own PVD technology (thin film
AIP/HCD/UBMS/+polishing) to provide smooth coatings with
suppressed formation of droplets.
• Poor galling due to convex shape• Poor corrosion from concave
shape• Poor mold release due toconcavo-convex shape

Solves molding defects
with smooth type coating

Droplets on the surface

TiN

Smooth surface• In cold molding with soft materials may cause "galling" in which the molding
material adheres to the mold surface.
• Uneven coating surfaces tend to retain molding material, but smooth coatedsurfaces prevent molding material from staying on the surface and allow it toslide smoothly.
• The smooth type has a film composition with excellent mold releasability.
- Iron-based molding material: Smooth AX/Smooth MX is recommended- Resin molding material : Smooth CX is recommended

Molding material stay on the surface

No molding material stay on the surface

ファインFT
100μm

100μm

100μm

TiN

Fine FT

Surface observation image of coating film

100μm

TiN

Smooth MX

Surface observation image of coated film after abrasion test

Smooth type

HOKU-NETSU

Dropletless PVD coating

Surface Technology

LineupFine FT

Titanium Nitride (HCD)

For anti-galling of various molds
Smooth TiN coating- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 600℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.1

Fine FG

Low friction and further suppresses galling
Smooth TiCN coating- Hardness: 32GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 400℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.3

Fine FC

Excellent resin releasability
Smooth CrN coating- Hardness: 20GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 700℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.1

Titanium Carbon Nitride (HCD)

Chromium Nitride (HCD)

Cold forging of iron-based parts
Smooth and highly adhesive smooth MX allows thepunch shape to be maintained.

- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃- Friction coefficient : 0.2- Coating temp.:＜500℃

・Tool: Punch of powdered HSS・Workpiece: SS steel
・Effectiveness: Suppression of bearing wear

Other
companies
TiCN
Smooth MX

film suitable for high precision molds
Smooth AX Thin
Smooth TiAlN coating- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.22468Lifetime shots (x10,000)）

10Injection molding of plastic parts

Titanium Aluminium Nitride (AIP)- Hardness: 28GPa- Thickness: 1～2μm

90,000 shots0- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

4.5 times

20,000 shots

The resin can be easily released from the mold, and wear
caused by glass fibers can be suppressed.

- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

・Mold: Pre-hardened steel
・Material: PA6-GF
・Effectiveness: Suppression of adhesive wear

adhesion by molybdenum
Smooth MX HighSmooth TiMoN coating
Titanium Molybdenum Nitride (UBMS)- Hardness: 18GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 500℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.1

Smooth CX
Chromium Nitride (UBMS)- Hardness: 20GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Overwhelming mold releasability and corrosion resistance
Smooth CrN coating- Heat resistance temp. : 700℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.1- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Other
companies
CrN

5 times

10,000 shots
1万50,000 shots

Smooth CX
0

1

2

3

4

5

Lifetime shots (x10,000)）

6

Thick film type

HOKU-NETSU

PVD coating for die casting molds

Surface Technology

A PVD coating with a thick film structure that corresponds to the damage form of die casting molds. This product suppresses theoccurrence of melt loss in die casting molds used in harsh, high-temperature environments and significantly improves the lifetimeof die casting molds.
Nitriding + 9μm film thickness

Specializes in die casting molds• A unique form of damage occurs in die casting molds.

Heat check

ErosionAdhesion

Immersion test for steel alloy (ZDC2)• Acro9 coated pin has no adhesion of zinc alloy and exhibits excellent
seizure resistance.
・ Pin material:SKD61
・ Molten metal:ZDC2、420℃
・ Immersion holding time :1s
No coated• The film thickness is 9μm, which is 3 times thicker than theconventional film, and has excellent abrasion and erosion
resistance, thus protecting molds used in high temperature molten
metal environments.
• Composite treatment with nitriding of the base material can further
improve erosion resistance and heat check resistance.
Thick TiAlN-based layer with enhanced
erosion resistanceHigh adhesion layer
Erosion / heat check resistant layer

Thick layer
9µm
Substrate

ViOLA-R
Thick TiAlN-based layer with enhanced
erosion resistanceHigh adhesion layer
Erosion-resistant reinforced layer

A lot of adhesion

Acro9

No adhesion

ViOLA

Less adhesion

Thick layer
9µm
Substrate

ViOLA-S

Thick film typeEmphasis on erosion resistance

ViOLA- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 7～11μm

Nitride+Titanium Aluminum Nitride- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 7～11μm

Thick AlCrN layer prevents mold erosion
Coatings for die casting molds- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃- Hardness: 22GPa- Thickness: 7～9μm- Heat resistance temp. : 1000℃- Surface roughness : Rz＜4.0

New composite treatment that achieves both erosion andheat check resistanceAcro9P

Smooth surface properties prevent seizure
Acro9 for die casting pins

- Hardness: 22GPa- Thickness: 7～9μm- Heat resistance temp. : 1000℃- Surface roughness : Rz＜1.0- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜3.0

ViOLA-S

Erosion Resistant Nitride +Titanium Aluminum Nitride- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 7～11μm

Acro9- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜3.0

ViOLA-R

Surface Technology

Emphasis on anti-seizure

A new standard for die casting molds
Dense thick film coating

Titanium Aluminum Nitride

HOKU-NETSU

PVD coating for die casting molds- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Ultimate erosion resistant coating combined witherosion resistant nitriding- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜3.0- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Die cast molding of aluminum parts (ADC12)

Aluminum Chrome Nitride

Aluminum Chrome Nitride• Due to its dense and thick film structure, ViOLA prevents molten aluminum from
penetrating into the base material and suppresses the occurrence of erosion.
• ViOLA-R / ViOLA-S with combined treatment shows overwhelming resistance toerosionSpin around
pin

Acro9

1.8 times

27,000 shots

Nitride+Acro9

ViOLA

40h

50 mm

0

1

2

3

4

72h
Molten ADC12ViOLA-S
20

40

60

80

100

120

Immersion time to erosion (h)5Number of life shots （×10000）

Heater112h
049,000 shots

Graphite
crucible

24h

ViOLA-R
Nitride+TiAlN
3(Other company)- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Aluminum alloy (ADC12) long-term immersion test

Nitriding+Acro9 suppresses seizure and erosion, thus maintains theshape of the pin.
・ Mold：YXR33 core pin
・ Material：ADC12・ Effectiveness： Suppression of seizure and erosion- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

・ Test piece: SKD61 pin
・ Molten metal: ADC12・ Judgment: Weight loss 0.1g

Deep hole type

HOKU-NETSU

Deep hole inner surface PVD coating

Surface Technology

This new coating enables the formation of a protective ceramic film on the inner surface of deep holes while retaining theadvantages of PVD coating which can be processed at 500℃ or lower. It improves the life of deep-hole dies and deep-hole parts
with progressive wear on the inner surface of the deep hole.

diXis ®

Facing dual-beam arc ion plating

Can the inner surface of the deep hole be PVD coated?
With general PVD coating, it is extremely difficult toform a film on the inner surface of a deep hole thatexceeds L (length) / D (inner diameter) ≒ 1.

• Unique facing dual-beam arc ion plating realizes ceramic film formation on
the inner surface of deep holes.
• Hard ceramic protective coatings (TiN, TiAlN etc.) can be formed on the
inner surface of deep holes with L (length) / D (inside diameter) = 2-7.
• Even on the inner surface of the deep hole, it exhibits the same highhardness and excellent adhesion as a general ceramic protective film.
Iron beam

φ20

TiN film

For cold forging

Basematerial
exposedTiN film is formed on
the entire surface

L/D=5 (inner diameter :φ10×50）

Deep hole moldCut model of deep hole moldwith diXis-TiN generated

Ion beam irradiation
Coil

TiN film

For powder molding

Cut model of deep hole mold
L/D=5 (hole dimension: φ20×100)

Mold

Mold
Work rotation

TargetGeneral PVD coating

Work fixed

TargetGeneration image of diXis

Deep hole type

Application to deep hole molds

Film thickness (μm)

Surface Technology

LineupFilm thickness distribution• Inner surface of through-hole that emphasizes wear resistance:
L / D ≤ 5 is recommended• Inner surface of through-hole that emphasizes mold releasability:
L / D ≤ 7 is recommended
4

diXis-TiN

Best-balanced gold for all types of deep hole molds- Hardness: 10GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 600℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8

Titanium Nitride

Titanium Carbon Nitride- Heat resistance temp. : 400℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜1.0- Friction coefficient : 0.2- Coating temp.:＜500℃

wear resistance and heat resistance
diXis-TiAlN Excellent
Coatings for metal molding

diXis-TiN

2- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

galling of deep hole dies
diXis-TiCN For
Low friction coating- Hardness: 32GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

3Titanium Aluminium Nitride

1
0

HOKU-NETSU

Deep hole inner surface PVD coating- Hardness: 30GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

General TiN

0

10

20

30

40

50

diXis-CrN

Hole length (mm)

Chrome Nitride

Powder sintering molding of iron-based automobile parts
In powder sintered molds for automotive parts made of pure iron, thelifetime has been improved more than 10 times compared toconventional molds.
Other
companies
TiN- Carbide shrink-fit die- Hole dimensions :φ10×100L

10,000 shots

diXis-TiN

100,000 shots

0

2

4

6

8

Lifetime shots (x10,000)

1012- Hardness: 16GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm

diXis-Acro
Aluminum Chrome Nitride- Hardness: 30GPa- Thickness: 2～4μm- Heat resistance temp. : 800℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜1.0- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

Excellent mold releasability and corrosion resistance
Coatings for resin molding- Heat resistance temp. : 700℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.8- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

For harsh wear environments
New generation basic AlCrN- Heat resistance temp. : 1000℃- Surface roughness : Rz＜1.0- Friction coefficient : 0.5- Coating temp.:＜500℃

It can be used not only for round holes but also for various hole shapes.

DLC type

HOKU-NETSU

Diamond-Like Carbon

Surface Technology

This DLC coating achieves overwhelmingly low friction characteristics. Our lineup includes high adhesion DLC for molds andmachine parts and hydrogen-free thin film DLC-i for aluminum alloy cutting tools.
Diamond-Like Carbon

Graphite

Graphite structure（sp2）

Diamond-like carbon

Amorphous structure（sp2+sp3）

Diamond

Diamond structure（sp3）

DLC Classification• a-C:H structure which balances hardness and toughness ⇒ DLC• High-density ta-C structure approaching to diamond ⇒ DLC-i• It has an overwhelmingly low coefficient of friction compared tometallic materials.
• Even in a dry process, it has the same friction coefficient as oil
lubrication.
• Can suppress adhesion of soft metals (aluminum alloys, etc.).
Friction coefficient• DLC stands for Diamond-like Carbon, a general term for amorphous
carbon structure containing sp2+sp3 hybridized carbon atoms• Due to the structure is similar to diamond, hardness is its mainfeature• Compare to very expensive diamonds, it can be produced on avariety of material surfaces at lower cost.

0.8
Ball-on-disc test / SUJ2 ball

0.6
0.4
0.2
0

0.5

0.5

0.5

Down to 1/5
0.1

0.1

TiN TiAlN CrN DLC DLC-i
Friction coefficient of each coating film

DLC type

HOKU-NETSU

Diamond-Like Carbon

Surface Technology

Strongly adheres to substrate• By generating an adhesion layer between the DLC layer and the substrate, it exhibits
excellent adhesion (DLC-i is DLC layer only).
• Even in a high load atmosphere, which is not good for general DLC, the original low friction
characteristics of DLC can be demonstrated.

DLC layer
Adhesion layer
substrate

LineupDLC

adhesion of aluminum alloys and copper alloys
DLC-i Prevents
Hydrogen-free thin film DLC coating

Reduce friction of molds and machine parts
High adhesion DLC coating by UBMS method

a-C:H (UBMS )- Hardness: 24GPa- Thickness: 1～2μm- Heat resistance temp. : 4f00℃- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.2

ta-C (AIP)- Friction coefficient : 0.1- Coating temp.:＜220℃

Powder sintered shapes for SUS-based parts
DLC with low friction and peel resistant can suppress gallingcaused by powder.
・Die: Carbide hardened die
・Material: SUS based powder
・Effectiveness: Suppression of galling

Other
companies
DLC
DLC

3 times

10,000 shots

30,000 shots

0

10000

20000

Lifetime shots

30000- Hardness: 34GPa- Thickness: ～ 0.2μm- Heat resistance temp. : 400℃
- Surface roughness : Rz＜0.1- Friction coefficient : 0.1- Coating temp.:＜220℃

Drilling of aluminum alloy (A6063)
DLC-i, which can maintain sharp cutting edges, prevents the formation of
built-up cutting edges.
・Tool: φ1mm Carbide drill
・Work material: A6063 (thickness:2mm)
・V=30m/min / f=0.05mm/rev

Other
Companies
DLC
DLC-i

3 times

300 holes

910 holes
0

200

400

600

800

1000

Number of lifetime holes

Radical nitriding

HOKU-NETSU

Pre-treatment for coating

Surface Technology

This is a brittle compound layer-free plasma nitriding which is ideal for strengthening the base of PVD coatings. It suppresses
plastic deformation of the mold material in a high surface pressure environment and can demonstrate the original wear resistanceof the coating.
Strengthening of substrate by radical nitriding

Improved coating adhesion• When a high load is applied to the surface of the coating film, the substrate may beplastically deformed and the original performance may not be demonstrated.
• When the target workpiece is alloy steel (die steel, HSS, pre-hardened steel, etc.),
nitriding treatment hardens the surface of the substrate up to 1200HV, thereby
suppressing plastic deformation of the substrate that supports the coating.
• Since radical nitriding is performed with a low current density / NH radical (active
species), the formation of iron nitride compound (brittle compound layer) can besuppressed and a coating film can be formed with good adhesion.
• Characteristics of radical nitriding (SKD61 substrate) : Surface hardness ≒1200HV,
Nitriding Depth ≒50μm

Adhesion of the coating film is improved byhardening the surface of the substrate throughradical nitriding treatment.
Deformation of the substrate is large and thecoating peels off

TiN

No peeling of coating
TiAlN
High load

Coating layer

High load

Substrate deformed

Deformation is small

SKD61 hardened material（HV550）Coating layer
Nitriding layer （～HV1200）
SKD61 hardened material（HV550）Without radical nitriding

With radical nitriding

Radical nitriding

20μm

Radical nitriding+TiAlN
Cross-sectional image of the surface layer

Radical nitriding + TiN

Adhesion comparison of TiN coating film by scratch test
(substrate: SKH51, indentation at 100N load)

Lapping

HOKU-NETSU

Post-coating treatment

Surface Technology

With our unique lapping technology, finished surface roughness close to that before the coating process, preventing adhesion andburning during molding. It is effective when the work material is soft metal or plastic.
• In the Standard type, Heat resistant type and Deep hole type, droplet particles are generated on the film surface, so the surface becomesrougher than before coating.
• Smooth surfaces are obtained by removing convex-shaped droplet particles through a fine shot blasting process. However, concave-shaped
pinholes remain.
• This process is effective in preventing adhesion and improving mold releasability for various types of molds.

Microscopic uneven shape(～1μm)

Convexities are removed

TiN
TiN+Lapping

Coating layer

Coating layer

substrate

substrate

Without lapping finish

With lapping finish

2.1 times

8,000 shots

17,000 shots

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

Lifetime shots

Life of cold forging punches

Coating list & characteristic
TypeStandard

Smooth

Thick
film

Name

DLC

Color

Thickness

Hardness※2

Surfaceroughness※3

Indentation
HIT

Vickers

Ra
(μm)

Rz
(μm)

Friction
Coeffici
ent(Steel)Heat
resistant

Adhesion strength byscratch test
Substrate
SKH51

Carbidesubstrate

Water
contact
angle

Process
temp.

Maximum processing size

Decoating

Mounting size(coating area)

WeightSteel

Carbide

TiN

TiN

2～4μm

20GPa

2000HV＜0.08 ＜0.8

0.5

600℃

60N

110N

93°

＜500℃

φ750×900mm（φ730×700mm）

360kg

○

○

TiCN

TiCN

2～4μm

28GPa

2800HV＜0.08 ＜0.8

0.2～0.5

400℃

50N

90N

93°

＜500℃

φ750×900mm（φ730×700mm）

360kg

○

×

TiAlN

TiAlN

2～4μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.08 ＜0.8

0.5

800℃

50N

90N

95°

＜500℃

φ750×900mm（φ730×700mm）

360kg

○

○

CrN

CrN

2～4μm

16GPa

1600HV＜0.08 ＜0.8

0.5

700℃

70N

120N

98°

＜500℃

φ750×900mm（φ730×700mm）

360kg

○

×

Acro

AlCrn

2～4μm

28GPa

2800HV＜0.15 ＜1.5

0.5

1000℃

60N

110N

95°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

Fine FT

TiN

2～4μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.01 ＜0.1

0.5

600℃

50N

90N

93°

＜500℃

φ180×320mm（φ180×270mm）

25kg

○

○

Fine FG

TiCN

2～4μm

32GPa

3200HV＜0.03 ＜0.3

0.2

400℃

40N

70N

93°

＜500℃

φ180×320mm（φ180×270mm）

25kg

○

×

Fine FC

CrN

2～4μm

20GPa

2000HV＜0.01 ＜0.1

0.5

700℃

60N

110N

98°

＜500℃

φ180×320mm（φ180×270mm）

25kg

○

×

Smooth AX

TiAlN

1～2μm

28GPa

2800HV＜0.02 ＜0.2

0.5

800℃

60N

110N

95°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

○

Smooth MX

TiMoN

2～4μm

18GPa

1800HV＜0.01 ＜0.1

0.5

500℃

80N

140N

70°

＜500℃

φ500×500mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

-

Smooth CX

CrN

2～4μm

20GPa

2000HV＜0.01 ＜0.1

0.5

700℃

70N

120N

98°

＜500℃

φ500×500mm（φ450×350mm）

180kg

○

×

ViOLA

TiAlN

7～11μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.30 ＜3.0

0.5

800℃

60N

110N

90°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

ViOLA-R

RN+TiAlN

7～11μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.30 ＜3.0

0.5

800℃

80N

-

90°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

ViOLA-S

RN※1+TiAlN

7～11μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.30 ＜3.0

0.5

800℃

80N

-

90°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

Acro9

AlCrN

7～11μm22GPa

2200HV＜0.40 ＜4.0

0.5

1000℃

60N

110N

95°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

Acro9P

AlCrN

7～11μm22GPa

2200HV＜0.10 ＜1.0

0.5

1000℃

60N

110N

95°

＜500℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

×

diXis-TiN

TiN

2～4μm

22GPa

2200HV＜0.10 ＜0.8

0.5

600℃

60N

110N

93°

＜500℃

φ450×340mm（φ80×340mm）

300kg

○

○

TiCN

2～4μm

32GPa

3200HV＜0.10 ＜1.0

0.2

400℃

50N

90N

93°

＜500℃

φ450×340mm（φ80×340mm）

300kg

○

×

diXis-TiAlN

TiAlN

2～4μm

30GPa

3000HV＜0.10 ＜1.0

0.5

800℃

50N

90N

95°

＜500℃

φ450×340mm（φ80×340mm）

300kg

○

○

diXis-CrN

CrN

2～4μm

16GPa

1600HV＜0.10 ＜0.8

0.5

700℃

70N

120N

98°

＜500℃

φ450×340mm（φ80×340mm）

300kg

○

×

diXis-Acro

AlCrN

2～4μm

30GPa

3000HV＜0.10 ＜1.0

0.5

1000℃

60N

110N

95°

＜500℃

φ450×340mm（φ80×340mm）

300kg

○

×

DLC

DLC

1～2μm

24GPa

2400HV＜0.02 ＜0.2

0.1

400℃

40N

70N

80°

＜220℃

φ750×1200mm（φ700×800mm）

360kg

○

○

DLC-i

DLC

～0.2μm34GPa

3400HV＜0.01 ＜0.1

0.1

400℃

20N

40N

80°

＜220℃

φ500×600mm（φ450×400mm）

180kg

○

○

diXis-TiCN
Deep
hole

Base
material

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology※1 Erosion resistance enhanced type

※2 Nanoindentation hardness measurement※3 When coated on the polished surface of SKH51

Coating selection guideline•••

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

The affinity between the processed material and the base coating material and the molding temperature are the criteria for selecting the coating.
For mirror-finish molds, selecting a coating from Smooth type or DLC is recommended.
If adhesion between the mold surface (steel material) and the coating is important, radical nitriding + PVD is recommended.
Mold（molding temperature）
Processed
Material

Injection / Laminate / Powder / Drawing / Forging

Drawing / Forging / Die casting

Cutting tool

< 400℃< 500℃< 600℃< 800℃

Steel

TiN / TiCN / DLC

TiN / TiMoN

TiN / TiAlN

TiAlN / AlCrN

TiCN / TiAlN

SUS

TiN / TiCN / DLC

TiN / TiAlN

TiN / TiAlN

TiAlN / AlCrN

TiAlN / AlCrN

Aluminum alloy

Smooth TiN / DLC

Smooth TiN / TiAlN

Smooth TiN / TiAlN

TiAlN / AlCrN

Smooth TiN / DLC

Copper / Brass

Smooth CrN / DLC

Smooth CrN

Smooth CrN-

Smooth CrN / DLC

Plastic

Smooth CrN / TiN

-

-

-

Smooth CrN / TiN

Point to note
•

•
•
•
•
•
•

Coating is available if material properties unchanged ( Phase transformation, softening, melting, dimension change) and the material does not
generate gas at processing temperature.
There is a risk of deformation, dimensional change, and hardness reduction for low-temperature tempering material (SKD11, SKS etc.)
Products with soldering, welding, annealing or surface treatment (plating etc.) may not be able to be coated. Please contact us separately.
For masking (The areas where you do not want to coat), we will accommodate your requests, but there is a limit if the product is extremely smallor requested to mask on narrow areas and complex shapes. Please contact us.
Except for Deep hole type, it may not be able to form a coating in narrow areas or deep holes.
In principle, full surface coating is not available because a holding section is needed.
There is a risk of peeling of the coating if the surface of the product is dirty, burnt, corroded or burred.
If the surface roughness of the product is rough, the original performance of the coating may not be achieved. It is recommended to finish thesurface roughness Rz≦0.8 by grinding or polishing process before coating process.

HOKU-NETSU

Surface Technology

Hokunetsu Corporation
115 Takagi-nishi, Toyama City, Toyama Pref.,930-0106 JAPAN
Tel: (076) 436-1431
Fax: (076) 436-1432
https: //www.hokunetsu.com
E-mail: qa@hokunetsu.com

Overview of PVD coating - Mar. 2022 / Coating Division