Industrial Applications of Hard and Superhard Nanocomposite Coatings on Tools for Machining, Forming, Stamping and Injection Molding

The design and application of hard and superhard (H ≥ 40 GPa) coatings and their properties are discussed with the focus on superhard nanocomposites. The main part of the article deals with examples of industrial applications of hard and superhard nanocomposite coatings as wear protection coatings on tools for machining, forming, stamping, injection molding and the like. The advantages and possibilities as well as the limitations of the different types of coatings with emphasis on the nanocomposites are discussed and illustrated by a number of examples from aerospace and other branches of industry.