TiFusion™ is Richter Precision Inc.’s proprietary “duplex” coating process. A duplex coating simply refers to the combination of two different surface treatments. In the case of our TiFusion™ process, a combination of plasma nitriding and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating is used to improve both the wear resistance and fatigue properties of coated substrates. The TiFusion™ process provides exceptional tool performance, close to CVD and TD processes, but without the dimensional instability of those higher temperature coating technologies.
TiFusion™ combines the advantages of nitriding and PVD
Nitriding
Nitriding is a ferritic thermochemical process that diffuses nitrogen into the surface of metals to form a case-hardened layer. Nitride-forming elements such as aluminum, chromium molybdenum and titanium are needed to form the nitride case layer. This layer is able to be produced without quenching and the resulting distortion problems. Both the surface hardness and fatigue life on the nitrided tool are greatly improved.
Nitriding Advantages
- Improved surface hardness
- Enhanced fatigue resistance
- Anti-galling properties
- Improved corrosion resistance
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD)
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum coating process that involves the bombardment of the substrate with energetic positively charged ions to promote high film density. Reactive gases such as nitrogen, acetylene or oxygen are introduced into the chamber during metal deposition to create various coating compositions. These films have a strong bond and tailored physical, structural and tribological properties.
Physical Vapor Deposition Advantages
- High micro-hardness improves wear resistance
- Very high temperature resistance
- Reduced coefficient of friction
- Replicates existing surface finish
Additional Advantages gained through the TiFusion™ Process
- Relatively low processing temperatures (≤ 500˚ C/932˚ F) allow us to maintain tight tolerances
- The reduction in the hardness gradient between the coated surface and the substrate results in improved coating adhesion and overall tool durability
- Provides better distribution of contact stresses
- Improves impact resistance and restricts plastic deformation of the base material
Characteristics of the TiFusion™ Coating Process
- Performed in a vacuum (10-2 – 10-4 mbar)
- Relatively low process temperature (≤500° C/932˚ F)
- Line of sight PVD coating deposition
- PVD coating exhibits a physical bond to the substrate
- Average PVD coating thickness: 2-6 µm, or .00008-.00024”
- Nitrided case layer depth will vary depending on base material
- Suitable substrates may be more limited than standard PVD coating
- Ideal for components with close tolerances (+/-.00005” is appropriate)
- No post-coating heat-treating is required
- Parts can be pre-/post-polished to improve the surface finish and tool performance
Most air-hardenable tools steels and high speed steels are compatible with the TiFusion™ coating process. The suitability of materials should be discussed with your technical sales representative before sending them to us for processing. Additionally, tools should be hardened and tempered prior to sending them to us for processing. You will also want to confirm that the final tempering temperature is high enough to ensure that no distortion and/or softening of the parts occurs during the TiFusion™ coating process.
Standard TiFusion™ PVD Coating Processes
| Proprietary Name | Composition | Color | Thickness (microns) | Micro-Hardness (HV) | Coefficient of Friction | Maximum Working Temperature | Coating Process Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TiFusion™ C | TiN | Gold | 1-5 | 2300-2500 | 0.35 | 600˚C/1112˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C2-SL | AlTiN-CrN | Gray | 4-6 | 3200-3500 | 0.35 | 1000˚C/1832˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C2-SL+S | AlTiN-CrN/(Mo, W)S2 | Gray | 4-6 | 3200-3500 | 0.15 | 1000˚C/1832˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C3 | CrN/CrC | Silver/Gray | 3-5 | 2000-2200 | 0.35 | 700˚C/1292˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C3+S | CrN/CrC/(Mo, W)S2 | Gray | 3-5 | 2000-2200 | 0.15 | 700˚C/1292˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C6 | AlTiN | Violet/Black | 2-4 | 3000-3400 | 0.35 | 900˚C/1652˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C6+S | AlTiN/(Mo, W)S2 | Violet/Black | 2-4 | 3000-3400 | 0.15 | 900˚C/1652˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
| TiFusion™ C14 | C-DLC | Black | 1-2 | 2200-4000 | 0.06-0.15 | 350˚C/662˚F | ≤ 500˚C/932˚F |
TiFusion™ C [duplex TiN]
Typical applications for this coating include improving erosion resistance in the gating areas of plastic injection molds, while also improving flow and release characteristics.
TiFusion™ C2-SL [duplex AlTiN-CrN super lattice]
This coating is used for heavy metal-forming applications, especially when forming HSLA, Dual Phase and stainless steel materials. The high temperature resistance of this coating also makes it ideal for higher temperature applications, including forging and die-casting.
TiFusion™ C2-SL+S [duplex AlTiN-CrN/(Mo, W)S2 super lattice]
Also used for heavy metal-forming applications, this coating has an added dry-film lubricant layer to reduce galling.
TiFusion™ C3 [duplex CrN/CrC]
This chrome-based coating worked very well in both aluminum die-casting and rubber molding applications.
TiFusion™ C3+S [duplex CrN/CrC/(Mo, W)S2]
The addition of a dry-film lubricant combined with the better ductility of this film can make this a good choice for higher impact applications.
TiFusion™ C6 [duplex AlTiN]
This is a good general purpose coating process for both metal-forming and die-casting applications.
TiFusion™ C6+S [duplex AlTiN/(Mo, W)S2]
A good general purpose coating for metal-forming applications, with an added dry-film lubricant layer to reduce galling.
TiFusion™ C14 [duplex C-DLC]
Typical applications for this coating include improving performance of plastic injection molds, powder compaction tooling & some metal-forming applications.