AlCrN & TiN Coatings for
Cutting Tools and Dies

Boost tool life and surface finish with AlCrN and TiN coatings for cutting, trimming, forming dies, and high-gloss molds.

AlCrN & TiN Coatings for Longer Tool Life
and Superior Surface Finish

AlCrN and TiN coatings deliver high-performance protection for cutting tools, forming dies, die-casting inserts, and high-gloss molding applications. Engineered with high micro-hardness, excellent wear resistance, and low-friction characteristics, these coatings significantly reduce heat-checking, frictional wear, and premature tool failure. Whether in high-speed machining or precision molding, AlCrN and TiN coatings improve durability, extend tool life, and ensure stable, high-quality production.

Heat Checking in Molds & Dies

Thermal fatigue from repeated heating and cooling causes surface expansion and contraction, forming heat-check cracks on mold corners and edges. These cracks deepen over time, leading to soldering, corrosion, and early mold failure, which reduces tool life, part quality, and production uptime.
Tools with AlCrN Coating Outperforms Uncoated Ones

AlCrN coatings with high micro hardness and can function as dry lubricant. It greatly reduces friction, wear and tear during the cutting and forming process, enhances productivity and improves yield rate.

Application / Part	Recommended Coating	Key Benefit
Cutting Tools	AlCrN	Exceptional heat and wear resistance for dry or high-speed cutting up to 45 HRC.
Forming / Punching Tools	AlCrN	High edge durability and excellent adhesion under heavy forming and trimming loads.
Die-Casting Inserts	AlCrN + Plasma Nitriding	Prevents soldering, erosion, and thermal-fatigue cracking; extends die life.
Plastic Injection Molds	TiN	Smooth release and low friction; reduces galling and maintains consistent surface finish.
High-Gloss Molds	TiN	Maintains mirror-surface gloss with easy polishability and long-term finish stability.
Decorative Tooling	TiN	Gold appearance with strong wear protection for visible or aesthetic components.

Precision Coatings for Every Tooling Application

Designed for demanding industrial environments, our AlCrN and TiN coatings provide robust thermal and mechanical protection across a broad range of tooling categories. Their advanced surface engineering helps manufacturers minimize downtime, maintain dimensional stability, and achieve consistent part quality. From machining critical metal components to producing mirror-finish molded surfaces, our coatings enhance wear resistance, improve surface integrity, and support reliable performance across diverse production processes.

Coating Properties

Coating Solution	AlCrN	TiN	AlTiN	CrN
Typical Coating Thickness (µm)	1-4	1-4	1-4	1-4
Micro-hardness (Hv)	3,200	2,300	3,300	2,000
Coefficient. of Friction vs Metal (Dry)	<0.4	<0.4	<0.4	<0.4
Max Service Temperature (ºC)	1,100	600	900	700
Color	Blue - Grey	Gold - Yellow	Violet - Grey	Silver - Grey

Hard Coating Brochure

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TiN and AlCrN coatings?

TiN (Titanium Nitride) provides excellent wear resistance and lubricity for general machining, forming, and molding. AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride) offers higher hot hardness and oxidation resistance, ideal for high-speed or dry cutting, trimming, and die-casting applications.
AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride) offers higher hot hardness and oxidation resistance, ideal for high-speed or dry cutting, trimming, and die-casting applications.
How do TiN and AlCrN coatings extend tool life?

These PVD hard coatings form dense, protective layers that reduce friction, prevent adhesion, and minimize edge rounding. By resisting heat, corrosion, and abrasion, coated tools last 2–3 times longer and maintain sharper cutting geometry with better part quality.
Which coating is best for die-casting or thermal-fatigue conditions?

For aluminum die-casting inserts and molds exposed to heat-checking, AlCrN with plasma nitriding is recommended. It provides superior thermal-fatigue resistance, prevents soldering, and extends mold life.
Can TiN coatings be used for high-gloss plastic molds?

Yes. TiN coatings deliver a smooth, low-friction surface that preserves mirror finishes and ensures easy part release. They reduce polishing frequency, improve gloss retention, and prevent scratches in plastic injection molds.
Why choose NTI Nanofilm for PVD hard coatings?

NTI Nanofilm uses high-density FCVA and PVD platforms for ultra-smooth, low-droplet coatings with excellent adhesion. Every process, masking, cleaning, coating, and inspection, is performed in-house, ensuring consistent quality, short turnaround, and coatings engineered for specific applications.

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AlCrN & TiN Coatings for Cutting Tools and Dies

AlCrN & TiN Coatings for Longer Tool Life and Superior Surface Finish

Heat Checking in Molds & Dies

Tools with AlCrN Coating Outperforms Uncoated Ones