DLC Coating
Reduce friction, wear, fretting, galling and corrosion with environmentally friendly DLC coatings
DLC Coatings - Diamond-Like Carbon
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coatings can be deposited by different technologies such as PVD arc, PVD sputtering and PACVD processes. Various performance characteristics, such as hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated DLC coatings, can be achieved by selecting the appropriate technology and deposition parameters.
DLC coatings are environmentally friendly and can be used to reduce friction, wear, fretting, galling and corrosion. They can also be used to modify electrical conductivity and wettability. Due to the attractive colors of DLC coatings (ranging from anthracite to deep black), they are often applied in decorative applications such as watchmaking, jewelry, kitchen and bath hardware, automotive interiors, firearms and other fields, combining both aesthetics and performance.
Applications methods:
- PVD deposition via Arc and Sputtering
- Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD)
Ionbond is pleased to offer DLC coating services.
Advantages of Diamond-Like-Carbon (DLC) Coatings
What are characteristics of DLC coatings?
Low friction coefficient
Excellent abrasion protection
Excellent protection against galling, cold welding and fretting
Corrosion protection in selected corrosive media
Attractive color range from anthracite to deep black
What is DLC coating?
DLC coatings offer a unique combination of high hardness and low friction coefficient → ‘the hardness of diamond and the lubricity of graphite’. Because of our DLC coating process, we have the capability to engineer DLC coatings to make them harder like diamond or softer like graphite – according to the requirements that a specific application demands. Furthermore, DLC coatings can be doped to include metallic elements and can include multi-layered structures that further enhance the performance and flexibility of such coatings.
Common DLC applications
DLC coatings can be used for a wide range of applications.
Engine wear parts and injectors
Aerospace fasteners and components
Industrial machinery components
Aluminum and non-ferrous metal forming
Plastic injection molding tools
Watches and jewelry
Medical instruments
Cutting Tools
Hard chrome replacement
Tribobond™ 40 series
High quality DLC coatings for industrial applications
The Tribobond™ 40 series of DLC coatings are designed to respond to various tribological challenges. These coatings stand out for their hardness, resistance to abrasion and fatigue, as well as their ability to minimize friction losses.
Medthin™ 40 series
For medical applications
The Medthin™ 40 series of DLC coatings provide excellent protection against abrasion, tribo-oxydation and adhesive wear. They are ideally suited for coating of medical instruments, tools and implants.
Tetrabond™ Plus ta-C
DLC coatings for tools
Tetrabond™ Plus T-aC is a non-hydrogenated diamond like carbon (DLC) film with a micro hardness of more than 5000 HV. This coating stands out due to its low thickness, very high hardness and anti-stick properties which makes it an excellent choice for machining a wide range of plastics and sticky materials.
Frequently asked questions on DLC coating services
DLC coatings are typically applied using either Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating or Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD) technology. The coatings are synthesized in a vacuum chamber, where carbon-based coatings are growing on the surface of parts that are placed in the vacuum chamber.
DLC coatings combine graphite and diamond structures, which lead to thin, hard, and low-friction coating layers. The use of such coatings enhances wear resistance, reduces friction, and provides corrosion protection in demanding applications.
DLC stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. It refers to a group of carbon-based coatings that exhibit some of the desirable properties of diamond, especially its hardness. The low friction comes from the graphite structures within the DLC coatings.
DLC coatings are hard, and smooth in their own nature, but can be polished when needed, by using the right polishing techniques.
Yes, surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and may require pre-treatments to ensure strong adhesion of the DLC coating to the product surface. A smooth surface prior to coating translates to optimal performance transfer of the DLC coating in the applications.
Most DLC coatings are applied at relatively low temperatures, typically below 200°C. This makes them suitable for temperature-sensitive materials, including many heat treated metals and alloys.
Yes, selective masking is possible and commonly used to prevent coating on defined areas.
Yes, DLC coatings can be removed using specialized mechanical or chemical processes. After removal, components can be recoated if the base material is still within the required tolerances and surface condition.
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