PVD, CVD & thermal spray · finish comparison
Titanium Nitride PVD vs Zirconium Nitride PVD
Titanium Nitride PVD and Zirconium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; zrN PVD resists corrosion better.
Titanium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
TiN is a gold, hard ceramic PVD coating for cutting tools, moulds, medical instruments, and decorative stainless hardware.
Zirconium Nitride PVD
PVD hard coatings · $$$$ · instant quote
ZrN is a light-gold PVD coating used for decorative stainless products and for wear on non-ferrous cutting tools.
When to choose which
Choose TiN PVD
Choose TiN PVD when a deeper gold colour is wanted.
- About 2300 HV surface hardness
- Recognizable gold decorative colour
- 1–5 µm film preserves sharp edges
Choose ZrN PVD
Choose ZrN PVD when a lighter decorative gold is preferred.
- About 2800 HV hardness
- Light champagne-gold colour
- 1–5 µm low-buildup film
What the numbers say
- ZrN PVD resists corrosion better.
- TiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | TiN PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 45 Fair | 52 Fair |
| Surface hardness / wear | 87 Excellent | 90 Excellent |
| Cosmetic quality | 88 Excellent | 92 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 45 Fair | 52 Fair |
| Cost | 72 $$$$ | 82 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | TiN PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 1–5 µm | 1–5 µm |
| Surface hardness | 2,000–2,500 HV | 2,500–3,000 HV |
| Max service temperature | 600 °C | 600 °C |
| Electrical | Conductive | Conductive |
| Colours | gold | light gold, champagne gold |
| Relative cost | High ($$$$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 5–10 working days | 5–10 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | TiN PVD | ZrN PVD |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Steel | Yes | Yes |
| Tungsten Alloy | Yes | Yes |
| Titanium | With care | With care |
| Aluminum | Limited | Limited |
| Brass | Limited | Limited |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | Limited |
TiN PVD vs ZrN PVD — frequently asked
What is the difference between TiN PVD and ZrN PVD?
Titanium Nitride PVD and Zirconium Nitride PVD are both pvd hard coatings finishes; zrN PVD resists corrosion better. TiN PVD is the lower-cost option ($$$$).
When should I use TiN PVD instead of ZrN PVD?
Choose TiN PVD when a deeper gold colour is wanted. Conversely: choose ZrN PVD when a lighter decorative gold is preferred.
Is TiN PVD or ZrN PVD cheaper?
TiN PVD is the lower-cost finish ($$$$ against $$$$ for ZrN 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.