Introduction

In the field of cutting processing, tool coating technology is called "a multiplier for tool performance". Superhard coated tools combine 

the dual advantages of high-quality substrates and high-performance coatings, and have become the core tools for modern efficient 

processing. This article will comprehensively analyze the latest developments, performance characteristics and application effects of 

superhard coating technology to help processing companies choose the most suitable coating tool solutions.

Overview of superhard coating technology

Superhard coating refers to coating materials with a hardness exceeding 40GPa, mainly including:

Diamond coating:

CVD diamond coating: hardness 80-100GPa

Nano diamond coating: high hardness and good toughness

Cubic boron nitride (cBN) coating: hardness 50-70GPa

Superhard composite coating:

TiAlN-based nanocomposite coating

AlCrN-based superlattice coating

DLC diamond-like coating

These coatings are prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, with a thickness of usually

 2-20μm, which can significantly improve tool performance.

Core advantages of superhard coating

1. Wear resistance is improved by 5-10 times

The high hardness of superhard coating can effectively resist abrasive wear and adhesive wear. When processing GFRP composite materials, 

the tool life of diamond coating is 8-10 times that of uncoated tools.

2. Cutting speed increased by 30-100%

The coating allows for higher cutting temperatures, which greatly increases the cutting speed. When TiAlN coated end mills process mold 

steel, the cutting speed can be increased from 80m/min to 150m/min.

3. Reduce cutting force by 10-20%

The lubricity of the coating can reduce the friction between the chips and the tool. When a company processes titanium alloys, the cutting 

force of diamond coated tools is reduced by 15%, and energy consumption is significantly reduced.

4. Significant improvement in processing quality

Coated tools can maintain a sharp edge for a longer time, ensuring processing consistency. When processing aluminum alloys, diamond 

coated tools can continuously maintain a surface quality of Ra0.2μm.

Comparison of mainstream superhard coating performance

Coating type Hardness (GPa) Heat resistance (℃) Applicable materials Typical applications

CVD diamond 80-100 600-800 Non-ferrous metals, composite materials Aluminum alloys, carbon fiber processing

cBN coating 50-70 1000-1200 Hardened steel, cast iron Hard turning, gear processing

TiAlN nanocomposite 40-45 900-1000 Steel, stainless steel Mold steel milling

AlCrN superlattice 38-42 1100-1200 High temperature alloys Titanium alloy processing

DLC coating 20-80 300-500 Non-ferrous metals Precision machining

Innovative progress in superhard coatings

Nanostructured coatings:

Nano multilayer coatings: Alternate deposition of different materials, with high hardness and toughness

Nanocomposite coatings: Nanocrystals embedded in amorphous matrix, hardness can reach more than 50GPa

Intelligent adaptive coatings:

High-temperature self-lubricating coatings: Lubricating film is formed on the surface during cutting

Self-repairing coatings: Microcracks can heal themselves

Mixed coating technology:

Diamond + TiAlN composite coatings

cBN + DLC gradient coatings

Green coating process:

Low-temperature PVD technology

Chromium-free pretreatment technology

Typical applications of superhard coatings

1. Aerospace field

Titanium alloy structural parts processing: AlCrN coated milling cutter

Composite component processing: Diamond coated drill bit

High-temperature alloy processing: cBN coated turning tool

2. Automobile manufacturing field

Engine cylinder processing: Diamond coated milling cutter

Brake disc processing: TiAlN coated turning tool

Drive shaft processing: cBN coated precision turning tool

3. Mold manufacturing field

Hardened mold steel processing: nano-composite coated milling cutter

Graphite electrode processing: diamond-coated ball-end cutter

Glass mold processing: DLC-coated finishing tool

4. Electronics industry

Aluminum alloy housing processing: diamond-coated end mill

Ceramic substrate processing: nano-diamond coated tool

Optical component processing: ultra-smooth DLC coated tool

Coated tool selection guide

Select according to processing material:

Aluminum alloy/composite: diamond coating

Hardened steel: cBN coating

Stainless steel/high temperature alloy: AlCrN/TiAlN nano-composite coating

Select according to processing type:

Continuous cutting: thicker coating

Intermittent cutting: thinner toughness coating

Select according to cutting parameters:

High-speed processing: high thermal stability Coating

Heavy-duty cutting: high-toughness coating

Consider cost-effectiveness:

Mass production: high-performance multi-layer composite coating

Small batch variable processing: universal coating

Key points for using coated tools

Rationally select cutting parameters: give full play to coating performance

Avoid coating peeling: control feed rate and reduce impact

Specialized grinding technology: special process is required for regrinding coated tools

Proper storage: moisture-proof and anti-bumping

Life monitoring: regularly check the wear status of coating

Conclusion

Superhard coating technology is driving cutting into a new era, allowing tool performance to break through the limitations of traditional 

materials. With the continuous innovation of coating technology, the performance boundaries of tools will continue to expand in the future. 

The correct selection and application of coated tools will help manufacturing companies gain comprehensive advantages in efficiency, quality 

and cost.

For technical consultation or free samples of coated tools, please visit our official website or contact coating technology experts.

Keywords: superhard coating, diamond coating, cBN coating, coated tool, PVD coating, CVD coating, tool wear resistance, efficient processing, 

difficult-to-process materials, cutting solutions