Evaluation of TiN/AlN nano-multilayer coatings on drills used for micro-drilling

As it is well known, some materials with nano-scale size show analomous properties that are rather different from the bulk state. In this study, a new sputtering system was utilized to grow a group of TiN/AlN nano-multilayer films with various periods through controlling the deposition conditions. The aim of this study was mainly focused on the relationship between the period and the wear and micro-drilling behavior. In addition, a traditional single-layer TiN film was tested under identical conditions for comparison. sults revealed that at periods ≦3.6 nm, the nano-multilayer films had extremely excellent wear and micro-drilling performance. It was learned that the nano-multilayer films could provide enhancement in the wear and micro-drilling performances, as compared with the traditional single-layer TiN film.