Comparison of the Properties of PVD and IBED Hardcoats (TiN and

Metallic nitride hardcoatings (titanium nitride and chromium nitride) are routinely deposited on a wide variety of cutting tools, forming tools, and other components using high temperature 538 °C (1000 oF) physical vapor deposition (PVD) processes. This family of hardcoatings can also be deposited at temperatures below 93 °C (200 oF) using an advanced ion beam enhanced deposition (IBED) process. The metallurgical compositions of IBED-deposited titanium nitride and chromium nitride coatings are verified by Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy, and mechanical properties including scratch adhesion and abrasive wear-resistance are measured. These mechanical properties were also measured for titanium nitride and chromium nitride hardcoatings deposited by physical vapor deposition (PVD) as well as hard chrome plated coatings. The IBED deposited hardcoatings are shown to be viable, low temperature alternatives to PVD deposited hardcoatings and industrial hard chrome plating.