PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating vs Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating and Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; dLC resists corrosion better.
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
DLC is a family of black amorphous-carbon coatings used for very low friction and severe sliding wear.
Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
WC/C is a tungsten-containing hydrogenated amorphous-carbon coating, often written a-C:H:W, for sliding and rolling components.
When to choose which
Choose DLC
Choose DLC when higher hardness or lower friction is required.
- About 2000–5000 HV hardness
- Dry friction commonly 0.05–0.15
- Only 1–3 µm thick
Choose WC/C PVD
Choose WC/C PVD when a tougher tungsten-doped carbon system is preferred.
- Dry friction commonly 0.1–0.2
- About 1000–1500 HV hardness
- Good scuffing resistance
What the numbers say
- DLC resists corrosion better.
- DLC is the harder surface (2,000–5,000 HV vs 1,000–1,500 HV).
- WC/C PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- DLC is the thinner coating (1–3 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | DLC | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 55 Good | 48 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 93 Excellent | 77 Very good |
| Cosmetic quality | 72 Very good | 50 Fair |
| Lubricity | 96 Excellent | 90 Excellent |
| Cost | 96 $$$$ | 86 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | DLC | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–3 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,000–5,000 HV | 1,000–1,500 HV |
| Max service temperature | 350 °C | 350 °C |
| Electrical | Semi-conductive | Semi-conductive |
| Colours | black, anthracite | dark grey, black |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–14 working days | 7–12 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | DLC | WC/C PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | Yes | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
DLC vs WC/C PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between DLC and WC/C PVD?
Diamond-Like Carbon Coating and Tungsten Carbide Carbon PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; dLC resists corrosion better. DLC is the harder surface (2,000–5,000 HV vs 1,000–1,500 HV). WC/C PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use DLC instead of WC/C PVD?
Choose DLC when higher hardness or lower friction is required. Conversely: choose WC/C PVD when a tougher tungsten-doped carbon system is preferred.
Is DLC or WC/C PVD cheaper?
WC/C PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ 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.