OTEC PROCESS AND PVD COATING

Otec process and PVD coating

Honing with the OTEC DF-3 process is a step applied to the cutting edge of cutting tools, such as milling cutters, drill bits and inserts; it involves reinforcing the cutting edge through slight chamfering or rounding, which can vary from a few thousandths to tenths of a millimetre depending on the type of machining and the material being processed. It is also possible to perform polishing, which allows for better chip evacuation, and better adhesion of the PVD coating

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“PVD (an acronym for Physical Vapour Deposition) coatings are metal surface coatings in the form of very very thin films (with thicknesses ranging from a few tenths of a micron to larger values depending on requirements), deposited using highly innovative technologies.”

Coated tools can withstand significantly higher cutting speeds and feeds, reducing machining time and costs. Their exceptional resistance to wear also greatly extends the life of the tool.

The qualities of PVD coatings are:

  • High surface hardness: >1800HV
  • Non-toxicity, hypoallergenicity and biocompatibility: as this is a physical process and free of chemical solvents, PVD is considered an environmentally friendly process compared to other coating methods
  • High resistance to wear, scratches, rubbing and corrosion: PVD coatings are resistant to wear, corrosion and high temperatures. These coatings greatly improve the durability of the materials underneath.
  • Imperviousness to acids, alkalis, solvents and in general to many products for industrial use
  • Metallic appearance of surfaces without requiring a clear varnish to protect the coating: PVD coatings can offer a variety of colours and gloss or matte finishes to the substrate, depending on the materials used for deposition.
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Characteristics of some of the coatings we use

TYPE OF COATING MICROHARDNESS (HV)

HV (0.05)

THICKNESS

(µm)

Maximum operating temperature (°C) COLOUR APPLICATIONS
TiN 2300 1÷5 600°C yellow-gold For materials Steel (N/mm²)

< 900, brass and cast iron

AlcrN 3200 1÷5 1100°C light grey Suitable for gear cutting, milling and metal forming. Steel alloys and unalloyed steel, Cast
iron
TiAlN 3300 1÷6 900°C purple-grey For materials Steel (N/mm²) < 1,100, stainless steel, titanium alloys, cast iron
AlTiN 3000 1÷5 1000°C purple-grey For materials steel (N/mm²) < 1,300, stainless steel
TiSiN 3800 1÷5 1100°C copper For materials Titanium, Nickel-based alloys, stainless steel, hardened steel)
DLC (a-C:H) >2000 2÷4 350°C black Mechanical components, excellent for protection from abrasion and increased sliding speed.