Here is the Characterization of tool coatings.

1. TiN (Titanium Nitride Coating)

Composition: Titanium and nitrogen compound.

Application Temperature: Up to 600°C.

Oxidation Resistance: Moderate; suitable for general-purpose applications with limited high-temperature exposure.

Cutting Speed: Supports moderate cutting speeds, suitable for a range of materials.

Hardness: Nano hardness up to 25 GPa.

Coating Thickness: Typically 1-4 μm.

Coefficient of Friction: Low, around 0.4.

Applicable Materials: Steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper alloys, and plastics.

Color: Gold.

2. TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride Coating)

Composition: Titanium, aluminum, and nitrogen compound.

Application Temperature: Up to 800°C.

Oxidation Resistance: Excellent due to the formation of a protective aluminum oxide layer at high temperatures.

Cutting Speed: Supports high cutting speeds, ideal for demanding applications.

Hardness: Nano hardness up to 35 GPa.

Coating Thickness: 1-4 μm.

Coefficient of Friction: Moderate, around 0.5.

Applicable Materials: Steel (N/mm² < 1,100), stainless steel, titanium alloys, cast iron, aluminum, brass, bronze, and plastics.

Color: Violet-grey.

3. AlTiN (Aluminum Titanium Nitride Coating)

Composition: Aluminum, titanium, and nitrogen compound with higher aluminum content than TiAlN.

Application Temperature: Up to 900°C, higher than TiAlN.

Oxidation Resistance: Excellent, forms a strong aluminum oxide layer at higher temperatures, protecting the tool from heat and wear.

Cutting Speed: Very high, designed for dry and high-speed cutting applications.

Hardness: Nano hardness up to 36 GPa.

Coating Thickness: 2-4 μm.

Coefficient of Friction: Around 0.45.

Applicable Materials: Hardened steels, titanium alloys, and high-strength materials.

Color: Dark grey to black.

4. TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride Coating)

Composition: Titanium, carbon, and nitrogen compound.

Application Temperature: Up to 400°C, lower than other coatings.

Oxidation Resistance: Moderate, not suited for high-temperature operations.

Cutting Speed: Suitable for moderate cutting speeds, focused on precision and low friction.

Hardness: Nano hardness up to 30 GPa, higher than TiN.

Coating Thickness: 1-4 μm.

Coefficient of Friction: Low, around 0.3, lower than TiN.

Applicable Materials: Aluminum, brass, bronze, copper alloys, and plastics.

Color: Grayish-blue.

Summary Comparison:

Through the following image, we can clearly see the positive effect of tool coating on cutting.

Each coating has specific advantages for different applications, depending on the material being machined and the operating conditions.