PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
CVD Alumina vs Multilayer CVD Tool Coating
CVD Alumina and Multilayer CVD Tool Coating are both cvd coatings finishes; cVD alumina resists corrosion better.
CVD Alumina
CVD coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
CVD alumina is an electrically insulating ceramic layer used as a thermal and oxidation barrier on carbide cutting inserts.
Multilayer CVD Tool Coating
CVD coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
Multilayer CVD combines TiN, TiCN, alumina, or related layers to balance adhesion, abrasion resistance, heat shielding, and wear indication on carbide inserts.
When to choose which
Choose CVD alumina
CVD alumina is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Multilayer CVD's.
- Strong hot chemical stability
- Thermal barrier for carbide inserts
- About 1800–2200 HV hardness
Choose Multilayer CVD
Choose Multilayer CVD when a complete TiCN/Al2O3/TiN system is required.
- Multiple wear mechanisms addressed in one stack
- 5–20 µm total thickness
- High hot-cutting durability
What the numbers say
- CVD alumina resists corrosion better.
- CVD alumina is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- CVD alumina is insulating; Multilayer CVD is semi-conductive.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | CVD alumina | Multilayer CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 70 Very good | 62 Good |
| Surface hardness / wear | 85 Excellent | 88 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 35 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Lubricity | 35 Fair | 48 Fair |
| Cost | 95 $$$$ | 98 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | CVD alumina | Multilayer CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5–20 µm | 5–20 µm |
| Surface hardness | 1,800–2,200 HV | 1,800–3,200 HV |
| Max service temperature | 1,000 °C | 1,000 °C |
| Electrical | Insulating | Semi-conductive |
| Colours | black, dark grey | gold, black, grey |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–14 working days | 10–18 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | CVD alumina | Multilayer CVD |
|---|---|---|
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | No | Limited |
CVD alumina vs Multilayer CVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between CVD alumina and Multilayer CVD?
CVD Alumina and Multilayer CVD Tool Coating are both cvd coatings finishes; cVD alumina resists corrosion better. CVD alumina is the lower-cost option ($$$$). CVD alumina is insulating; Multilayer CVD is semi-conductive.
When should I use CVD alumina instead of Multilayer CVD?
Conversely: choose Multilayer CVD when a complete TiCN/Al2O3/TiN system is required.
Is CVD alumina or Multilayer CVD cheaper?
CVD alumina is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for Multilayer CVD) 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.