PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Aluminum Titanium Nitride PVD vs Titanium Aluminum Nitride PVD
Aluminum Titanium Nitride PVD and Titanium Aluminum Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; tiAlN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Aluminum Titanium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
AlTiN is a high-aluminum nitride PVD coating for dry, high-speed machining of hardened steels.
Titanium Aluminum Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiAlN is a violet-black PVD coating for high-speed and dry cutting.
When to choose which
Choose AlTiN PVD
Choose AlTiN PVD when higher aluminum content and hotter service are needed.
- About 3500 HV hardness
- Useful to about 900 °C
- Excellent dry-cutting oxidation resistance
Choose TiAlN PVD
Choose TiAlN PVD when a lower-aluminum general-purpose hot coating is adequate.
- About 3300 HV hardness
- Useful to about 800 °C
- Strong hot-wear performance
What the numbers say
- TiAlN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | AlTiN PVD | TiAlN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 52 Fair | 50 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 94 Excellent | 93 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 50 Fair | 62 Good |
| Lubricity | 42 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Cost | 84 $$$$ | 80 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | AlTiN PVD | TiAlN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–5 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 3,200–3,800 HV | 3,000–3,500 HV |
| Max service temperature | 900 °C | 800 °C |
| Electrical | Semi-conductive | Semi-conductive |
| Colours | black, dark violet | violet-black, dark grey |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | AlTiN PVD | TiAlN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | With care | With care |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
AlTiN PVD vs TiAlN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between AlTiN PVD and TiAlN PVD?
Aluminum Titanium Nitride PVD and Titanium Aluminum Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; tiAlN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use AlTiN PVD instead of TiAlN PVD?
Choose AlTiN PVD when higher aluminum content and hotter service are needed. Conversely: choose TiAlN PVD when a lower-aluminum general-purpose hot coating is adequate.
Is AlTiN PVD or TiAlN PVD cheaper?
TiAlN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for AlTiN 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.