Characterization of large area filtered arc deposition technology: part II — coating properties and applications

A dual-filtered cathodic arc deposition process was used to synthesize a variety of hard coatings on polished substrates, using large-area filtered-arc deposition (LAFAD) technology. The surface morphology showed that the coatings were free of macro defects or inclusions, and there was no degradation of the initial surface finish. Mechanical properties of the coatings deposited were measured by a nanoindentation technique. A duplex (heat treatment+deposition) process was used to deposit a unique multilayer hard coating on H-13 steel core pins used in aluminum die-casting application. Extensive characterization of the coated pins showed that the coating improved the erosion/corrosion resistance, as well as thermal cracking resistance, of the steel by nearly one order of magnitude over commercially used PVD coatings.