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Aluminum Titanium Nitride

Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AITiN, and its variation TiAlN) excels in high-speed, high-heat applications. This dark violet or black coating forms an aluminum oxide barrier during use, improving heat resistance and edge stability in extreme machining conditions.

3200

HV Hardness

Medium

Friction Reduction

Aluminum Titanium Nitride

Technical Data Sheet
Thermal Barrier
Forms an oxide layer for superior heat resistance.
Extreme Speed Ready
Maintains hardness at high RPMs.

Self-Sealing Oxide Layer
Prevents surface breakdown under heat.
Dark Finish
Violet or black coating signals high-performance.

Technical Specifications

3400–3600 HV
Vickers Hardness (HV)
0.6
Friction Coefficient
700°C / 1300°F
Max Operating Temp
1–4 μm
Typical Thickness
Dark Grey
Coating Color

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Aluminum Titanium Nitride Coating for High-Temperature Wear Resistance

Aluminum titanium nitride coating is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) hard coating deposited in a vacuum chamber where aluminum and titanium target materials are vaporized and react with nitrogen gas to form a dense, well-adhered thin film on the part surface. The resulting coating reaches a hardness of 3,400 to 3,600 HV with a max working temperature of 700°C (1,300°F), providing substantial improvements in wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and high-temperature performance over general-purpose coatings like titanium nitride coating (HV 2,400, max 600°C). AlTiN forms a protective aluminum oxide layer at elevated temperatures that actually improves its protective properties during cutting, making it well suited for dry and high-speed machining on steels, copper alloys, and hardened materials. The coating is applied at 1 to 4 µm, preserving part geometry and tolerances on finished tools and components.

3,400 – 3,600 HV Hardness

High hardness for exceptional wear resistance and long tool life.

Up to 700°C (1,300°F)

High-temperature performance with protective aluminum oxide layer.

1 – 4 µm Coating Thickness

Thin, well-adhered coating that preserves part geometry and tolerances.

Performance Advantages

Tool Life Extension
Up to 300% improvement in cutting tool longevity compared to uncoated tools
Heat Resistance
Superior thermal stability with operating
temperatures up to 400°C
Wear Protection
Exceptional abrasion and adhesive wear resistance in demanding applications
Key Advantages
Applications
Coating Process
Comparison
Certifications

Aluminum Titanium Nitride (AlTiN / TiAlN) is specifically engineered to excel in the most demanding machining operations, allowing for incredible material removal rates even at exceptionally high speeds and feeds.

  • Optimized for CNC and Die/Mold Applications: This advanced coating is ideally suited for precise and intricate CNC machining, as well as the rigorous demands of die and mold manufacturing.
  • Perfect for High-Speed Steel and Carbide Tooling: The aluminum titanium nitride coating provides superior protection and enhanced performance for both high-speed steel and carbide cutting tools, extending their lifespan and improving cutting efficiency.
  • Exceptional Oxidation Resistance at High Temperatures: The coating boasts outstanding resistance to oxidation, meaning it maintains its integrity and protective qualities even when subjected to extreme heat.

Machining and Cutting Tools

  • Drills, end mills, inserts, and taps benefit from AlTIN coating for high-speed machining.
  • Extends tool life.

Aerospace

  • Used in tooling for high-performance alloys and composite materials.
  • Ideal for titanium and nickel-based alloys.

Automotive

  • Applied on components and tools that undergo high stress and temperature, such as engine parts and gear cutting tools.

Medical

  • Used on surgical instruments and orthopedic implants for durability and biocompatibility.

Die and Mold Making

  • Coating improves the performance of tools cutting abrasive materials like glass-filled plastics or hardened steels.
Need a specific document? Contact us directly for technical support.
High hardness: Ideal for cutting hard materials.
Performs well at elevated temperatures 1300F
Thermal stability: Superior to many other PVD coatings.
Low coefficient of friction: Reduces tool wear and improves cutting efficiency.
  • Steels
  • Cast Iron
  • Aluminum
  • Bronze
  • Copper

Commonly used on:

  • Drills, taps, and end mills
  • Forming and punching tools
  • Die components
  • Mold inserts
  • Fasteners and wear parts

Why Choose Our Aluminum Titanium Nitride Coating Solutions

Hardness of 3,400 to 3,600 HV, providing 40 to 50% higher wear resistance than standard titanium nitride coating (HV 2,400)

Max working temperature of 700°C with self-forming aluminum oxide layer that improves performance under heat

Ideal for dry machining and high-speed operations where coolant reduction or elimination is a production goal

Strong adhesion on carbide and HSS substrates used in end mills, drills, inserts, taps, and forming tools

Coating thickness of 1 to 4 µm preserving dimensional accuracy on finished cutting tools and precision components

Oxidation resistance that maintains coating integrity through sustained thermal cycling and elevated cutting temperatures

Applied under AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 quality controls with in-house thickness, adhesion, and friction verification

Data-backed coating recommendations from ACT's team, including a Ph.D. scientist, to match aluminum titanium nitride coating to your specific substrate and application

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of using aluminum titanium nitride coating in machining?

The aluminum titanium nitride coating delivers excellent oxidation resistance and thermal stability at high temperatures. It increases tool hardness, improves wear resistance, and is particularly effective in high-speed and dry machining applications, extending tool life significantly.

How do TiAlN coatings improve performance for cutting tools and components?

An AlTiN coating forms a protective aluminum oxide layer when exposed to heat. This layer improves edge stability, reduces wear under extreme conditions, and allows cutting tools to operate efficiently at higher speeds and feeds.

Can AlTiN coating be removed and reapplied if a tool needs recoating?

Yes. AlTiN can be stripped from used tools and reapplied. The stripping process must be carefully controlled to avoid damaging the substrate. Contact ACT to discuss whether your specific tool geometry and substrate are candidates for recoating

How does aluminum titanium nitride coating perform on stainless steel and titanium workpieces compared to standard steels?

AlTiN performs well when cutting stainless steels and titanium alloys because its aluminum oxide layer formation provides thermal protection against the higher cutting temperatures these materials generate. The coating's oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 700°C makes it better suited for these workpieces than general-purpose coatings like TiN.

Is there a minimum or maximum part size that can receive an AlTiN coating?

Part size is limited by the dimensions of the vacuum chamber used for deposition. ACT coats parts ranging from small inserts and end mills to larger die and mold components. Contact ACT directly with your part dimensions to confirm compatibility with the chamber size.

How does AlTiN perform in interrupted cutting operations like milling compared to continuous cuts like turning?

AlTiN handles interrupted cuts well because its aluminum oxide layer reforms rapidly after each impact. The coating's combination of hardness (HV 3,400 to 3,600) and thermal stability allows it to withstand the repeated thermal and mechanical shock cycles that characterize milling, slotting, and other interrupted operations.

What is the expected tool life improvement when switching from uncoated carbide to AlTiN?

The page references up to 300% tool life improvement for coated versus uncoated tools. Actual results depend on the workpiece material, cutting parameters, and machining conditions. ACT's team can help set realistic expectations based on your specific application.

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