Harden the near-surface zone
Additional elements in the steel matrix increase surface hardness and load-bearing capacity.
At a glance
Load-bearing strength begins beneath the surface.
Preserve dimensional accuracy
No separate coating is added to the mould contour.
Improve polishability
A more homogeneous near-surface zone can reduce carbide pull-out.
Support coatings
The hardened foundation distributes loads and protects thin functional coatings from overloading.
Especially relevant for
- High mechanical loading
- Wear on functional surfaces
- Carbide pull-out
- Thin functional coatings that need support
Diffusion without an added coating
The near-surface zone carries the load.
Additional elements are introduced into the steel matrix near the surface.
Hardness & load-bearing capacity.
The mould surface becomes more resistant from within the material.
A foundation for thin coatings.
The hardened near-surface zone provides mechanical support for subsequent functional coatings.
Principle & application
The technology behind it.
01Hardening from within the materialThe steel matrix is modified, rather than covered with a coating.
Diffusion treatment is not a conventional coating. Additional elements are introduced into the steel matrix near the surface, making the treated zone harder, more load-bearing and more resistant.
Without a separate coating, the dimensional accuracy of the mould contour is maintained. The surface can be made more homogeneous, carbide pull-out can be reduced and polishability can be improved.
- High surface hardness
- No dimensional build-up
- Repairable by polishing, blasting or welding
- No conventional coating
02Support for thin coatingsA hardened near-surface zone supports thin functional coatings.
Under mechanical loading, the diffusion-hardened near-surface zone distributes the surface force more broadly into the tool steel. Local deformation and stress peaks are reduced.
This support effect stabilises subsequent thin functional coatings and prevents them from being overloaded when the base material yields.
03Typical applicationsFor mechanically loaded mould areas and subsequent treatments.
The treatment is suitable for highly mechanically loaded mould areas, for reducing wear and as a robust foundation for further coatings – on its own or as part of the modular surface toolkit.
04Technical assessment for your applicationSuitable for high mechanical loading
A robust foundation for demanding mould surfaces.
Additional elements are introduced into the steel matrix. This makes the treated near-surface zone harder and more resistant, providing better support for subsequent thin functional coatings.
- Keeping the contour in mind
As no separate coating is added, the dimensional accuracy of the mould contour is maintained.
- Homogeneous surface
The treatment can help make the surface more homogeneous and reduce carbide pull-out.
- Support effect
For thin functional coatings, the hardened near-surface zone helps stabilise the base material against mechanical loading.
Typical objectives are reducing wear and providing a robust foundation for further coatings. Suitability depends on the tool material and the specific loading conditions.
Selection depends on the plastic, tool material, geometry, temperature, mechanical loading, cleaning conditions and desired function.
Your application
What does your surface need to do?
The mould component, plastic and challenge are the starting point for our joint assessment.