Physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and thermal diffusion (TD) coatings have a long history of successfully increasing tool life and productivity in stamping and forming applications. Whether on dies forming cold- or hot-rolled steel; early grades of high-strength, low-alloy (HSLA) steel; or stainless steel alloys, at least one of these coating technologies could be depended upon to deliver the desired performance.

However, material trends in the automotive industry aimed at reducing weight and improving safety are not only challenging the acceptance of those coatings for developing applications, they are opening the door to innovative approaches that may push tool productivity to unseen levels.

The increasing use of next-generation HSLA steel, advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), and a growing number of high-strength aluminum alloys in the automotive industry drives the need for better tool and die coatings.

Like HSLA and AHSS, aluminum alloys represent another way for automotive OEMs to reduce vehicle weight for improved fuel economy while maintaining strength for safety purposes. In some vehicles, the entire outer skin is now being made from aluminum instead of galvanized steel. While many aluminum alloys offer advantages, they also bring new challenges from a tooling and tool coating perspective. They require taking a different approach than that of HSLA and AHSS.

-The 17th China（Guangzhou）Int’l Sheetmetal machinery, Forging, Stamping and Setting Equipment Exhibition