High-performance indexable inserts are required to achieve a high metal removal rate in the heavy-duty machining of cast iron and steel. Every µm counts when it comes to tool coating in order to increase performance and tool life. FerroConQuadro, the HiPIMS coating material with a coating thickness of 12 µm from CemeCon, ensures impressive machining results. If thick coatings were required, manufacturers of indexable inserts previously had no choice but to resort to the CVD coating process, which is, however, very limited in its possibilities. HiPIMS technology changes the situation from the ground up. Not only does it not require any toxic or environmentally hazardous chemicals, unlike CVD technology, but it also enables coating thicknesses of 1 to 12 µm. Until now, PVD technology has been used for thin layers and CVD for layers of 6 µm and above.
This is possible because HiPIMS technology combines advantages that no other system can offer: well-adhering, smooth, tough coatings with low residual stress and with every conceivable material. Almost every element of the periodic table can be incorporated into the coatings. With coating temperatures of around 500 degrees Celsius, HiPIMS is also very gentle on the substrate. This prevents hard metal embrittlement.
