PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Aluminum Chromium Nitride PVD vs Chromium Nitride PVD
Aluminum Chromium Nitride PVD and Chromium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; alCrN PVD is the harder surface (2,900–3,400 HV vs 1,600–2,000 HV).
Aluminum Chromium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
AlCrN is a dark grey PVD coating for high-temperature cutting, forming, moulding, and die casting tooling.
Chromium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
CrN is a silver-grey, tough PVD coating used on plastic moulds, forming tools, medical instruments, and anti-galling components.
When to choose which
Choose AlCrN PVD
Choose AlCrN PVD when greater hot hardness is required.
- About 3200 HV hardness
- Oxidation resistance near 1100 °C
- Good hot hardness without titanium
Choose CrN PVD
Choose CrN PVD when greater toughness and silver appearance matter.
- About 1800 HV hardness
- Silver metallic appearance
- Good toughness and release
What the numbers say
- AlCrN PVD is the harder surface (2,900–3,400 HV vs 1,600–2,000 HV).
- CrN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- AlCrN PVD is semi-conductive; CrN PVD is conductive.
- AlCrN PVD tolerates more heat (1,100 °C continuous).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | AlCrN PVD | CrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 58 Good | 62 Good |
| Surface hardness / wear | 93 Excellent | 83 Very good |
| Cosmetic quality | 52 Fair | 76 Very good |
| Lubricity | 40 Fair | 55 Good |
| Cost | 86 $$$$ | 75 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | AlCrN PVD | CrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–5 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,900–3,400 HV | 1,600–2,000 HV |
| Max service temperature | 1,100 °C | 700 °C |
| Electrical | Semi-conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | dark grey, anthracite | silver, silver-grey |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | AlCrN PVD | CrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | With care | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | — |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
AlCrN PVD vs CrN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between AlCrN PVD and CrN PVD?
Aluminum Chromium Nitride PVD and Chromium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; alCrN PVD is the harder surface (2,900–3,400 HV vs 1,600–2,000 HV). CrN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$). AlCrN PVD is semi-conductive; CrN PVD is conductive.
When should I use AlCrN PVD instead of CrN PVD?
Choose AlCrN PVD when greater hot hardness is required. Conversely: choose CrN PVD when greater toughness and silver appearance matter.
Is AlCrN PVD or CrN PVD cheaper?
CrN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for AlCrN PVD) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.