Practical applications require extending the service life of cutting tools, particularly those used for machining high-hardness materials (≥60 HRC). Carbide (WC/Co) cutting inserts are typically employed for machining bearing steel components (STN414109) hardened to around 800 MPa. Without a hard, wear-resistant coating, the use of these inserts is almost impossible, as their cutting lengths are usually limited to 100–300 m. In contrast, modern TiAlN-based coatings can achieve cutting lengths of up to 2,000 m.
Recently, Staton, s.r.o. developed an advanced TiAlN coating in its laboratory using equipment capable of producing nanoparticles from the gas phase and superlattices with chromium and silicon admixtures. This coating achieves cutting path lengths of up to 10,000 m — far exceeding the performance of coatings produced by conventional methods.
The exceptional mechanical properties of this multilayer coating result from the high number of interfaces between individual interlayers, which act as barriers to dislocation movement. With the acquisition of industrial coating equipment utilizing nanoparticle and superlattice technologies, Staton, s.r.o. will be able to deliver a new generation of hard, wear-resistant coatings, enabling the machining of materials with hardness levels of at least 60 HRC — even without the use of coolant.
Advantages of the New Product
• Higher coating hardness
• Reduced surface roughness
• Enhanced heat and oxidation resistance
• Enables machining of materials with hardness ≥ 60 HRC without coolant
• Environmentally friendly – no negative impact from deposition or use
