PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
CVD Titanium Nitride vs Titanium Nitride PVD
CVD Titanium Nitride (cvd coatings) and Titanium Nitride PVD (pvd hard coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; tiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
CVD Titanium Nitride
CVD coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
CVD TiN is a thick, conformal gold tool coating used mainly on cemented-carbide inserts.
Titanium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiN is a gold, hard ceramic PVD coating for cutting tools, moulds, medical instruments, and decorative stainless hardware.
When to choose which
Choose CVD TiN
CVD TiN is the pick when its strengths below matter more than TiN PVD's.
- Conformal 5–15 µm coverage
- Strong adhesion
- About 2000–2500 HV hardness
Choose TiN PVD
Choose TiN PVD when lower process temperature and sharper edges are required.
- About 2300 HV surface hardness
- Recognizable gold decorative colour
- 1–5 µm film preserves sharp edges
What the numbers say
- TiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- TiN PVD is the thinner coating (1–5 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | CVD TiN | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 45 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 87 Excellent | 87 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 70 Very good | 88 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 45 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Cost | 88 $$$$ | 72 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | CVD TiN | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 5–15 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,000–2,500 HV | 2,000–2,500 HV |
| Max service temperature | 600 °C | 600 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | gold | gold |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–14 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | CVD TiN | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
| Steel | Limited | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | No | With care |
| Aluminum | No | Limited |
| Brass | No | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | No | Limited |
CVD TiN vs TiN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between CVD TiN and TiN PVD?
CVD Titanium Nitride (cvd coatings) and Titanium Nitride PVD (pvd hard coatings) solve the same problem by different routes; tiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$). TiN PVD is the thinner coating (1–5 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use CVD TiN instead of TiN PVD?
Conversely: choose TiN PVD when lower process temperature and sharper edges are required.
Is CVD TiN or TiN PVD cheaper?
TiN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for CVD TiN) 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.