Titanium coating is a coating, which can be applied to aluminum products, carbides, steel, titanium alloys, plastic and ceramics. The basis of this coating is Titanium Nitride, also known as Tinite or Tin. The primary purpose is to extend the durability and resistance of the durability of the product. This coating belongs to the group of coatings called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition).
Properties of Titanium Nitride and its use
Titanium Nitride is a very hard, inert, thin film that is foremostly applied to the metal parts. Nowadays, TiN it is the most commonly used PVD coating. TiN provides an ideal combination of hardness, toughness, adhesion and inertness.
Titanium Nitride:
- harder than carbides and 3 times harder than chrome
- inert and stable material - resistant to most chemicals
- extremely adhesive
- dense and non-porous
- typically 3 micrometers or 0.0001" thick
- has a uniform thickness that follows the contour of the part's surface.
- can withstand elevated temperatures – up to 600 °C
- electrically conductive, does not oxidize
- non-toxic (FDA approved for use for surgical devices and food processing equipment)
- has the appearance of gold
- prevents galling
- forms an outstanding bond to the base material that will not blister, flake or chip
- cutting tools typically last 3 to 10 times longer than uncoated tools
- application is environmentally friendly
Titanium coating is widely used in medical devices and medical implants, food processing equipment, in the aerospace and in many other tools as well as for professional use. In military and outdoor is mostly known to provide enhanced cutting performance and extended tool life. TiN eliminates corrosion of the blade. TiN coated blade is non-sticking compared to traditional coatings. TiN coating also contributes to the durability and resistance of the tip and blade. It provides long-term protection against mechanical damage such as scratches, impacts and others. Titanium coating is considered to be the most reliable protection of knive´s blades, whether it is carbon steel, stainless steel or zircon-oxide ceramics. There are also several other commercially used TiN variants that have been developed in the last ten years. It is Titanium carbon nitrid (TiN with a carbon, TiCN), Titanium aluminium nitrid (Tin with an aluminium, TiAlN nebo AlTiN) and also combination of aluminium and carbon. These variants can be used individually or in alternating layers with Tin and provide similar or even better features in the area of corrosion resistance and hardness. They also bring additional colors and shades from light gray to almost black and dark iridescent (rainbow) blue purple depending on the exact way of application. These surfaces become common especially with knives (both blades and handles) and pistols where they are used for functional, tactical and aesthetic reasons. For example, black or gray blade reduce unwanted light reflection.