3
TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride)
The addition of carbon to TiN results in a significant increase in the
hardness of TiCN over TiN. TiCN also has a much lower coefficient
of frictionwhich enhances the surface finish of componentsmachined
with TiCN coated tools, higher productivity can be achieved on a
wide range of materials but, in particular stainless steel, titanium
and nickel based alloys. It is now generally accepted that TiCN
coating has been superseded by TiAlN for most machining
applications.
TiAlN (Titanium Aluminium Nitride)
In addition to a higher hardness than bothTiNandTiCN the aluminium
in the coating imparts a much greater oxidation stability. This is as a
result of a very thin film of (Aluminium Oxide) being formed on the
surface of the TiAlN. The film is self repairing, leading to additional
increased service life. These improvements allow the coating to
withstand much higher temperatures which in turn allows increased
cutting conditions, especially useful when machining Cast Iron and
tough steels.
