DLC Coating | Diamond-Like Carbon Coating

DLC Coating stands for diamond-like carbon coating, and is a nanocomposite coating that has unique properties of natural diamond low friction, high hardness, and high corrosion resistance.

DLC coatings can have different structures and properties that rely on the ratio of SP³ (diamond) and SP² (carbon) or other fillers like hydrogen, silicon, and metal in the layer.

Characteristics:

DLC Coating | Diamond-Like Carbon Coating | CeraTough™-D

Machine Component

View DLC Gallery

High hardness
Low coefficient of friction (0.02 - 0.15)
High corrosion resistance
Great adhesion to substrate material
Fretting resistance
Adhesive wear resistance
Self lubrication in dry wear conditions
Excellent release properties
Electrical insulation

Properties Unique to CeraTough™-D:

Capable of achieving high thickness (up to 30µm)

By comparison, typical DLC coatings have a thickness of 1-2 microns, making them poor as an application against heavy abrasion or corrosion

Non-line-of-sight PACVD technology allows us to DLC coat internal surfaces and complicated shapes with very high accuracy without manipulating the parts
Capability of duplex coatings: Ion Plasma Nitriding and DLC can be combined into one cycle
Excellent surface finish will mirror that of the substrate

DLC CeraTough™ Performance

The performance of our CeraTough™ MSPVD coatings deposited using our proprietary High Energy PVD process is superior to many other commercially available coatings in the most demanding heavy-duty applications.

DLC Coating Options:

CeraTough®-0601	a-C:H	DLC
CeraTough®-0602	ta-C	DLC
CeraTough®-0603	a-C:H:Si	Si doped DLC
CeraTough®-0604	a-C:H:W	W doped DLC
CeraTough®-0605	a-C:H:WC	WC doped DLC
CeraTough®-0606	a-C:H:Cr	Cr doped DLC
CeraTough®-0611	a-C:H+CrN	DLC+ Chromium Nitride
CeraTough®-0701	a-C:H:Si	Si doped DLC Thin
CeraTough®-0702	a-C:H:Si	Si doped DLC Thick
CeraTough®-0710	a-C:H:Si	Si doped DLC Rainbow
CeraTough®-D-F	a-C:H:Si	Si doped DLC (Approved for food contact)

Application Methods:

Cathodic Arc Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) with elements of CVD
Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (PACVD)

Size Capabilities:

CAPVD systems have a 500 lb. weight limit and can accommodate parts 30" x 20" x 20" in size
PACVD systems have an 18,000 lb. weight limit and can accommodate parts 60" in diameter and 83" tall

Common Applications:

Cutting tools for aluminum, aluminum-silicon alloys, powder metallurgy alloys
Tools for metal forming and blanking
Plastic molds and extrusion components for abrasion and corrosion resistance, good release, and antibacterial properties
Hydraulic components – cylinders, pistons, gear pumps
Valve components – balls, gates, seats, actuators, housings
Automotive components – crank shafts, cam shafts, gears, bearings, piston rings, tappets, wrist pins, fuel injectors
Pump components – impellers, diffusers, rotors
Mechanical seals