Why titanium nitride coating is widely used on machine taps
Titanium Nitride coatings significantly improve the performance of tools and parts by increasing hardness, reducing wear and extending service life. The coating can be used in a wide range of applications to increase cutting speed and accuracy while minimising maintenance requirements.
What is titanium nitride coating?
Titanium Nitride (TiN) is a very hard, wear-resistant coating material that can be applied to the surface of taps as a thin-film protective coating. TiN thin films can be applied to the substrate as a durable, gold-coloured coating by a process known as Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD).
TiN coatings act as tough, abrasion-resistant protective coatings that enhance the surface properties of the substrate material.TiN films improve abrasion, friction and corrosion resistance while maintaining the overall properties of the substrate material.
Titanium Nitride (TiN) coatings offer a number of key benefits that significantly improve tap performance and life. The key benefits are listed below:
Improved hardness and durability
TiN coatings significantly increase the surface hardness of taps, typically reaching 2,300 to 2,500 Vickers. This is critical for cutting tools, as it allows them to maintain sharpness and integrity even under high stress conditions, increasing their service life by up to three times compared to uncoated tools.
Enhanced wear resistance
Studies have shown that TiN-coated tools wear 1/3 less than uncoated tools, and this wear resistance means longer tool life and fewer replacements, contributing to cost savings and increased productivity.
Corrosion resistance
TiN coatings provide an excellent barrier against corrosion, enabling taps to resist a wide range of corrosive environments. This is particularly beneficial in applications involving exposure to corrosive materials or conditions, and can significantly extend tap life.
Improved cutting performance
For cutting tools, TiN coatings have been shown to increase cutting speeds and feed rates, typically resulting in performance improvements of 20 to 30 per cent. This is due to the coating's low coefficient of friction, which reduces heat generation during the cutting process, leading to improved efficiency and results.
thermal stability
Titanium nitride maintains its hardness and integrity at temperatures up to 600°C (1112°F), making it ideal for high temperature applications. This thermal stability ensures that the coating will not degrade or lose its protective properties under extreme conditions.
