PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Titanium Carbonitride PVD vs Titanium Nitride PVD
Titanium Carbonitride PVD and Titanium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; tiN PVD resists corrosion better.
Titanium Carbonitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiCN is a blue-grey PVD tool coating with about 3000 HV hardness and lower friction than TiN.
Titanium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiN is a gold, hard ceramic PVD coating for cutting tools, moulds, medical instruments, and decorative stainless hardware.
When to choose which
Choose TiCN PVD
TiCN PVD is the pick when its strengths below matter more than TiN PVD's.
- About 3000 HV hardness
- Coefficient of friction commonly 0.2–0.4
- 1–5 µm dimensional film
Choose TiN PVD
Choose TiN PVD when gold colour or better oxidation resistance is wanted.
- About 2300 HV surface hardness
- Recognizable gold decorative colour
- 1–5 µm film preserves sharp edges
What the numbers say
- TiN PVD resists corrosion better.
- TiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
- TiN PVD tolerates more heat (600 °C continuous).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | TiCN PVD | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 40 Fair | 45 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 92 Excellent | 87 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 55 Good | 88 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 62 Good | 45 Fair |
| Cost | 76 $$$$ | 72 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | TiCN PVD | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–5 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,800–3,200 HV | 2,000–2,500 HV |
| Max service temperature | 400 °C | 600 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | blue-grey, grey | gold |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | TiCN PVD | TiN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
TiCN PVD vs TiN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between TiCN PVD and TiN PVD?
Titanium Carbonitride PVD and Titanium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; tiN PVD resists corrosion better. TiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$). TiN PVD tolerates more heat (600 °C continuous).
When should I use TiCN PVD instead of TiN PVD?
Conversely: choose TiN PVD when gold colour or better oxidation resistance is wanted.
Is TiCN PVD or TiN PVD cheaper?
TiN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for TiCN 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.