PVD Coating System for Forging Die Oxidation Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hard material coatings for tools, such as TiN and TiNC, face limitations in temperature resistance and oxidation at elevated temperatures, leading to reduced hardness and increased wear during forming and machining processes.

Innovation Solution

A layer system comprising specific compositions like (V97Zr3)(N) and (V95Ni5)(C30O5) with a partial adhesive layer, deposited using PVD processes, which enhances hardness and oxidation resistance while maintaining adhesion properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classic hard material layers (TiN, TiNC, CrN) are deposited using PVD or CVD processes, then the substrate gains protective coating, but the layer hardness drops noticeably at elevated temperatures and oxidation sets in at relatively low temperatures leading to increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidtemperature resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite material principles by combining multiple elements (Ti, Cr, Al, Si, B, C, N) in a single coating layer to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides hardness, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature stability. The multi-element composition allows different elements to contribute different properties: Ti and Cr for hardness, Al and Si for oxidation resistance, and B for thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the atomic percentages of different elements within specific ranges (e.g., Ti: 30-70 at%, Cr: 10-40 at%, Al: 5-30 at%) to optimize the balance between hardness and oxidation resistance. The nitrogen content is controlled at 5-20 at% to maintain coating stability while preventing excessive oxidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If Al-containing base layers (AlTiN, AICrN) are used to increase oxidation resistance up to 1000°C, then oxidation resistance improves, but the coating complexity increases and deposition process becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoxidation resistanceVSAvoidcoating composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the aluminum content within a specific range (5-30 at%) to achieve sufficient oxidation resistance without excessive coating complexity. By controlling Al content and combining it with other elements in defined proportions, the patent balances performance improvement with process feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-element composite coating that integrates Al with Ti, Cr, Si, and B to achieve oxidation resistance while maintaining manageable coating complexity through standardized compositional ratios and deposition parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Temperature

If Si-containing layers (TiSiN) are deposited to enable further improved temperature load, then temperature resistance increases, but the manufacturing precision and adhesion requirements become more stringent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature load capacityVSAvoidadhesion and deposition control
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls Si content within 2-15 at% to achieve improved temperature load capacity while maintaining adhesion properties. By optimizing Si concentration and combining it with Al (5-30 at%) and other elements, the patent balances temperature resistance with manufacturing feasibility and adhesion requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates Si into a multi-element composite structure where Si works synergistically with Al, Ti, Cr, and B to provide temperature resistance while the overall composite composition maintains adhesion to the substrate through balanced element distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If the tool surface is coated with hard material layers to reduce abrasion, then abrasion resistance improves, but the coating becomes susceptible to oxidation at elevated temperatures causing increased wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidoxidation at operating temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite coating where hard elements (Ti, Cr) provide abrasion resistance while oxidation-resistant elements (Al, Si, B) protect against oxidation at operating temperatures. The synergistic combination ensures both abrasion and oxidation resistance are achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the ratio of hard elements to oxidation-resistant elements within specific compositional ranges to balance abrasion resistance and oxidation protection. The controlled presence of B (1-10 at%) and Si (2-15 at%) provides oxidation barrier properties while maintaining coating hardness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The layer system significantly improves hardness and abrasion resistance, maintaining adhesion and reducing oxidation at elevated temperatures, thus extending the tool's service life and performance in high-pressure forming applications.

Implementation Method 1

deposited using PVD processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentEP2401419B1Coating system and method for making it
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 OERLIKON SURFACE SOLUTIONS AG PFAFFIKON
  • EP2401419B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1c
  • EP2401419B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2401419B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a coating system (1) for forming a surface coating on a surface of a substrate (100), in particular on the surface of a forging die, wherein the coating system comprises at least one surface coating of the composition ((VaMebMcXd)α(NuCvOw)ß, where (a+b+c+d) = α, α = 100% based on the atoms Va,Meb,Mc,Xd present in the coating, (u+v+w) = ß, ß= 100% based on the atoms N, C, O present in the coating, where the sum of all atoms in the coating (α+ß) = 100 atom %, wherein 40 ≤ α ≤ 80 atom %, and wherein Meb is at least one element from the group of chemical elements made up of Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Ni, Cu, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm of the periodic system of chemical elements, and Mc is at least one element from the group of chemical elements made up of Ti, Cr, and Xd is at least one element from the group of chemical elements made up of S, Se, Si, B of the periodic table of the elements, where 0 ≤ u ≤ 100, 0 ≤ v ≤ 100, and 0 ≤ w ≤ 80. According to the invention, 50 ≤ a ≤ 99, 1 ≤ b ≤ 50, 0 ≤ c ≤ 50, and 0 ≤ d ≤ 20.