G. Erkens, J. Alami, J. Vetter, J. Müller, Sulzer Metaplas GmbH, Germany, Hohenlockstedt, Germany
In the field of high precision tools and components end users demand more and more unique and customized solutions for their current challenges. For innovative tools and components increased load carrying capacities (mechanical loads, thermal loads, etc.), longer life time, higher performance and thus higher productivity, reduction of weight and friction and the improvement of corrosion resistance are demanded. To meet functional and decorative requirements in particular, surface treatments and related coating technologies are selected to be used in the day-to-day mass production of precision components and to provide application specific cutting tool solutions. The ever increasing demands on high performance tools and components are directly connected to higher requests on the hard coatings for wear and oxidation protection. Advanced coating systems offer multiple solutions to meet these demands. Application tailored technologies provide the chance to synthesize the next generation of high performance PVD coatings, the MAC´s (Micro Alloyed Coatings). Running the evaporators and the bias in dc mode, pulsed dc mode or a combination of these options could approach to a wide range of nano-structured and unique micro-alloyed coatings for various applications. By this different steel grades including HSS, cold and hot working steels and stainless steels as well as cemented carbide and ceramics can be treated. With the hybrid (AIP plus MSIP) technology conductive and non-conductive materials can be combined nearly without limits. Also pre- and post-treatment technologies become more and more of importance.
The potentials of the advanced PVD technology using arc, sputtering, hybrid and HIPAC (High Ionization Plasma for Advanced Coatings) techniques will be illustrated. Solutions from latest approaches to advanced PVD coatings as well as related applications will underline the leading edge technology presented.
