Wear resistant coatings deposited by ion plating.

The basic ion plating technique is capable of depositing metal coatings with excellent adhesion to the substrate. Recent developments have extended the range of coatings to include metal carbides, nitrides and oxides. These materials can be deposited as dense equiaxed structures with good adhesion at relatively low substrate temperatures. For example, high speed steel substrates can be coated without softening or distortion. The modified ion plating technique used for the deposition of ceramic coatings is described, as is the importance of the various deposition parameters. The coatings were studied by X ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results of extensive wear tests are presented, in particular a repeated plane strain compression tests was used as a simulated practical metal forming die test. The test is described and the results of a comprehensive test programme on coated and uncoated dies are given. It was shown that ion plated ceramic coatings give excellent wear protection under these test conditions. (A)