The Surface Treatment of the Taps

A distinction is made between surface treatment and surface coating.

Surface treatment method

The following processes are part of the surface treatment:

• Nitriding

• Vaporize

The nitriding increases the surface hardness of the tap. The wear resistance increases and the sliding properties when cutting improve.

The vaporization is a steam treatment of the tap. The sliding resistance and friction are reduced and cold welds are avoided.

Surface coating method

The following processes are part of the surface coating:

• Titanium nitride process (TIN)

• Titanium carbonitride layer (TiCN)

• Titanium aluminum nitride coating (TiAIN)

The titanium nitride process (TIN) has been tried and tested for a long time. It is applied using the CVD process (chemical vapor deposition). High hardness, high adhesive strength, and great toughness are the desired properties.

The titanium carbonitrides layer (TiCN) has the following properties: very high hardness, very high adhesive strength, and relatively high thermal conductivity.

The titanium aluminum nitride coating (TiAIN) is used for higher temperature loads and reduced cooling options. It is very heat resistant.