
DLC HARDNESS
DLC coatings produce dramatic improvement in performance and life of tools, components, and machines. The hardness of DLC coatings is the foundation for their benefits. DLC in all forms is extremely hard. Depending on which form is applied, DLC is as hard, or even harder, than natural diamond. In ta-C form, DLC typically measures between 5000-9000HV. Other forms range from 1000-4000HV.
The high hardness of DLC coatings reduces the likelihood of hard particle penetration into tools or parts. Optimized DLC coatings have been shown to improve the lifespan of tools by up to a factor of 10. For example, DLC coatings created major improvements harsh environment of machining stainless steel. Prior to DLC coatings, jobs were done with uncoated tools and hard to work at low speeds and feeds.
DLC was a massive game changer, improving process speeds and tool longevity by an order of magnitude. Because of its durability, DLC is used as tribological coating for machine tools such as drill bits, saws, and dies.