It's all about the coating — Trends in tool coating technology

Related Vendors

HASCO Hasenclever GmbH + Co KG

AMPCO METAL Deutschland GbmH

DIPROFIL Diamantprodukter AB

Ionbond Netherlands BV

Aluminium Oxide coatings

Another possibility to deal with temperature resistance is the use of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) coatings. The biggest challenge when depositing oxide coatings is in controlling the sputtering process. An Al₂O₃ coating is made by sputtering from an aluminium target in an argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) atmosphere. When using a single magnetron cathode during the deposition, the anode area surrounding the cathode will slowly become non-conductive resulting in unstable cathode behaviour. Hauzer has chosen Dual Magnetron Sputtering (DMS) technology to overcome this problem. Two magnetron sputtering cathodes on opposite sides of the PVD system are connected to one AC power supply. When one cathode is running on negative potential, the other cathode is positively charged, effectively acting as anode. In this way, a stable anode is established continuously during the complete deposition cycle. Hauzer’s proven T-mode technology deals with another challenge of Al₂O₃ coatings: balance in the oxygen flow. T-mode technology introduces a loop on each of the two sputter cathodes to achieve this and prevent the target from being poisoned.

Conclusion

Trends such as the use of lightweight and high strength materials, the need for high temperature resistance materials and the drive towards sustainability and cost efficiency strongly influence tool coating developments. Hauzer is convinced that by joining tool production and application knowledge such as geometry, substrates and cutting materials with knowledge about deposition technology, coatings and building machines with a low cost of ownership, a lot of progress can be made. Innovative, highly functional and affordable coatings will be the result. bs

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