PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating vs Molybdenum Disulfide PVD
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating and Molybdenum Disulfide PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; dLC resists corrosion better.
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
DLC is a family of black amorphous-carbon coatings used for very low friction and severe sliding wear.
Molybdenum Disulfide PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
MoS2 is a soft, dark-grey solid-lubricant coating selected for dry and vacuum mechanisms.
When to choose which
Choose DLC
Choose DLC when hardness and humid-air durability matter.
- About 2000–5000 HV hardness
- Dry friction commonly 0.05–0.15
- Only 1–3 µm thick
Choose MoS2 PVD
Choose MoS2 PVD when lowest friction in high vacuum is primary.
- Friction about 0.02–0.10 in dry or vacuum service
- Vacuum-compatible solid lubrication
- Thin 1–3 µm film
What the numbers say
- DLC resists corrosion better.
- DLC is the harder surface (2,000–5,000 HV vs 40–60 HV).
- MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | DLC | MoS2 PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 55 Good | 20 Low |
| Surface hardness / wear | 93 Excellent | 26 Low |
| Cosmetic quality | 72 Very good | 35 Fair |
| Lubricity | 96 Excellent | 98 Excellent |
| Cost | 96 $$$$ | 76 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | DLC | MoS2 PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–3 µm | 1–3 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,000–5,000 HV | 40–60 HV |
| Max service temperature | 350 °C | 400 °C |
| Electrical | Semi-conductive | Semi-conductive |
| Colours | black, anthracite | dark grey, black |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–14 working days | 7–12 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | DLC | MoS2 PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
DLC vs MoS2 PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between DLC and MoS2 PVD?
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating and Molybdenum Disulfide PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; dLC resists corrosion better. DLC is the harder surface (2,000–5,000 HV vs 40–60 HV). MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use DLC instead of MoS2 PVD?
Choose DLC when hardness and humid-air durability matter. Conversely: choose MoS2 PVD when lowest friction in high vacuum is primary.
Is DLC or MoS2 PVD cheaper?
MoS2 PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for DLC) 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.