What is DLC?

DLC is an amorphous carbon coating which exhibits the hardness and mechanical properties similar to diamond. It comprises of both SP2 and SP3 bonded carbon. The most common PVD coating currently available is Titanium Nitride (TiN) and Titanium Carbon-Nitride (TiCN). A few years ago a Japanese company, Nanotec, developed DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating specifically for precision tribological applications that could not be met by TiN and TiCN coatings. Such applications were found in the semiconductor, automotive, medical and aluminium packaging industries.

Why DLC Coating?

The physical properties of the coating material will have a direct impact of the forming process. The most critical material properties are :

Surface Roughness: the lower the better Coefficient of Friction: the lower the better Coating film Hardness: the higher the better Low Process Temperature