Tiger.tec Gold Coating Process Increases Insert Life

Compared with inserts that are coated using the conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, Tiger.tec Gold inserts boast higher wear resistance on flank faces, reduced hairline cracking, more resistance to plastic deformation and improved process reliability, the company says.

Walter GB has developed a titanium aluminium oxide (TiAIN) coating process that offers life increases of as much as 200 percent. Compared with inserts that are coated using the conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process, Tiger.tec Gold inserts boast higher wear resistance on flank faces, reduced hairline cracking, more resistance to plastic deformation and improved process reliability, the company says.

The inserts are initially available in the WKP35G grade for milling steel and cast iron; other grades will follow. Recognizing that CVD-coated aluminium oxide inserts had reached a performance plateau, the company developed a TiAlN coating process. And, by using TiAlN with a high aluminium content of 85 percent (higher than usual), in combination with an ultra-low pressure CVD process, the company has been able to separate TiAlN for use as the main gold-colored coating, which is especially useful for tool wear indication.

Titanium nitride (TiN) is used as both a key between the carbide base substrate and the TiAlN coating, and as the top, textured layer (above the main coating).