PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Titanium Diboride PVD vs Zirconium Nitride PVD
Titanium Diboride PVD and Zirconium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; zrN PVD resists corrosion better.
Titanium Diboride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiB2 is a hard grey PVD coating chosen mainly to resist aluminum adhesion on cutting and forming tools.
Zirconium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
ZrN is a light-gold PVD coating used for decorative stainless products and for wear on non-ferrous cutting tools.
When to choose which
Choose TiB2 PVD
Choose TiB2 PVD when aluminum cutting performance is primary.
- About 3000–4000 HV hardness
- Low affinity for aluminum
- Sharp-edge 1–5 µm film
Choose ZrN PVD
Choose ZrN PVD when decorative light-gold colour is required.
- About 2800 HV hardness
- Light champagne-gold colour
- 1–5 µm low-buildup film
What the numbers say
- ZrN PVD resists corrosion better.
- ZrN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | TiB2 PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 40 Fair | 52 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 94 Excellent | 90 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 42 Fair | 92 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 65 Good | 52 Fair |
| Cost | 90 $$$$ | 82 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | TiB2 PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–5 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 3,000–4,000 HV | 2,500–3,000 HV |
| Max service temperature | 700 °C | 600 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | grey, silver-grey | light gold, champagne gold |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 7–12 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | TiB2 PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | With care | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
TiB2 PVD vs ZrN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between TiB2 PVD and ZrN PVD?
Titanium Diboride PVD and Zirconium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; zrN PVD resists corrosion better. ZrN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use TiB2 PVD instead of ZrN PVD?
Choose TiB2 PVD when aluminum cutting performance is primary. Conversely: choose ZrN PVD when decorative light-gold colour is required.
Is TiB2 PVD or ZrN PVD cheaper?
ZrN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for TiB2 PVD) 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.