03 / Functional coatings

Precisely tailor the function.

Functional coatings are adapted to the specific process requirements, such as demoulding, deposit formation, friction or chemical resistance.

Focus
Function in the process
Design
Application-specific
Combination
With nanostructure

At a glance

The function matters more than the coating name.

Improve demoulding

The surface function is adapted to the interaction between plastic and the mould.

Influence deposits

Coating, material and process conditions are considered together.

Combine with structure

Nanostructure and functional coating can work together as a coordinated system.

Reinforce the foundation

CrN, DLC or diffusion treatment are optional components where loading or friction require them.

Especially relevant for

  • Demoulding problems
  • Recurring deposits
  • Critical surface chemistry
  • Where combining with nanostructure makes sense

Select a function

What needs to change in the process?

Nanostructure and coating are considered together. CrN and DLC remain supplementary components.

Demoulding & deposit formation

The functional coating is adapted to the plastic, surface energy, mould geometry and observed process behaviour.

The aim is a defined interaction at the direct contact interface.

Principle & application

The technology behind it.

01Functional coatings for the process requirementsPrecisely influence demoulding, deposits, friction and resistance.

Depending on the application, functional coatings improve demoulding, deposit behaviour, friction or chemical resistance. The desired function takes priority over the coating name.

They are adapted to the plastic, mould geometry, temperature, cleaning and loading, and can be used on their own or together with nanostructuring, diffusion treatment and interlayers.

  • Reduced adhesion
  • Less deposit formation
  • Adapted sliding behaviour
  • Increased resistance
  • Very thin coatings for areas with critical tolerances
02Interlayers as a technical foundationInterlayers support adhesion and load-bearing capacity.

Interlayers sit between the tool steel and the functional layer. They can improve adhesion, hardness, wear protection, corrosion resistance or sliding behaviour, and provide mechanical support for subsequent coatings.

Selection depends on the plastic, tool material, loading, temperature, cleaning, geometry and desired function.

  • Improve adhesion
  • Increase wear protection
  • Influence corrosion behaviour
  • Support sliding behaviour
Layer system comprising tool steel, an interlayer and a functional layer, with CrN and DLC examples
03CrN and DLC as examplesOptional components for wear protection or moving parts.

CrN is a hard chromium nitride coating with strong adhesion. It provides wear protection and a stable foundation for further functional surfaces.

DLC is a low-friction, carbon-based coating for moving components such as slides, ejectors and guides. It can prevent fretting corrosion and support dry running.

04Technical assessment for your applicationFunctional coating as part of the overall system

The process requirements determine the choice.

Plastic, tool steel, geometry, temperature and cleaning conditions determine the design. The coating is considered as part of the entire contact interface, rather than as an isolated material layer.

  • Start with the desired function

    The desired effect, such as improved demoulding or fewer deposits, is the starting point for selection.

  • Can be combined with nanostructure

    Topography and surface chemistry can be adapted together to the plastic, geometry and process window.

  • Optional supporting systems

    CrN or DLC may be suitable additions where wear protection, adhesion or the sliding behaviour of moving components impose further requirements.

It can be used on its own or combined with nanostructuring, diffusion treatment and optional interlayers. The combination is selected for the specific application.

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.

Discuss your application