Alexander Fehr, voestalpine eifeler Vacotec GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany
Arc and sputter technology are two of the most well-known industrial PVD technologies that both have their pros and cons and therefore a reason for existence. Typical candidates for plastic injection molding (PIM) which can be deposited by both arc and sputtering, are CrN-based systems due to the high hardness as well as the oxidation and wear resistance. However, the main industrial demands in plastic processing are more than just wear: Minimized material adhesions, better deformability, a persistent surface quality as well as a conservation of the gloss level of mass-produced plastic parts.
In this context, two industrial arc and sputter CrN-based coating solutions from voestalpine eifeler Vacotec will be juxtaposed regarding the main challenges in plastic injection molding. Although industrial arc-based coating processes are more robust and easier in handling, it will be shown why a sputtered Cr based coating delivers more advantages for PIM applications. Especially, when plastic molds require mirror-like polishing to produce very smooth plastic parts or when fine textures are to be reproduced on the plastic part, a sputtered film is often a better choice. Therefore, a new low temperature CrN-based coating solution was developed by voestalpine eifeler Vacotec, especially for steels with low tempering temperatures. It will be shown how this CrN-based film helps to preserve the gloss level of the mold to guarantee a persistent surface quality of the produced plastic parts.