PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
CVD Titanium Carbonitride vs Titanium Carbonitride PVD
CVD Titanium Carbonitride (cvd coatings) and Titanium Carbonitride PVD (pvd hard coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; tiCN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
CVD Titanium Carbonitride
CVD coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
CVD TiCN is a thick, very hard wear layer used in carbide-insert coating stacks.
Titanium Carbonitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiCN is a blue-grey PVD tool coating with about 3000 HV hardness and lower friction than TiN.
When to choose which
Choose CVD TiCN
CVD TiCN is the pick when its strengths below matter more than TiCN PVD's.
- About 2800–3200 HV hardness
- 5–15 µm abrasive-wear layer
- Conformal coverage
Choose TiCN PVD
Choose TiCN PVD when sharp edges or lower process temperature are needed.
- About 3000 HV hardness
- Coefficient of friction commonly 0.2–0.4
- 1–5 µm dimensional film
What the numbers say
- TiCN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- TiCN PVD is the thinner coating (1–5 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | CVD TiCN | TiCN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 38 Fair | 40 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 92 Excellent | 92 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 40 Fair | 55 Good |
| Lubricity | 55 Good | 62 Good |
| Cost | 92 $$$$ | 76 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | CVD TiCN | TiCN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5–15 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,800–3,200 HV | 2,800–3,200 HV |
| Max service temperature | 400 °C | 400 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | grey, blue-grey | blue-grey, grey |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–14 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | CVD TiCN | TiCN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
| Steel | Limited | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | No | With care |
| Aluminum | No | Limited |
| Brass | No | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | No | Limited |
CVD TiCN vs TiCN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between CVD TiCN and TiCN PVD?
CVD Titanium Carbonitride (cvd coatings) and Titanium Carbonitride PVD (pvd hard coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; tiCN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$). TiCN PVD is the thinner coating (1–5 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use CVD TiCN instead of TiCN PVD?
Conversely: choose TiCN PVD when sharp edges or lower process temperature are needed.
Is CVD TiCN or TiCN PVD cheaper?
TiCN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for CVD TiCN) 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.