Brycoat Chromium Nitride (CrN) Coatings

Chromium Nitride (CrN) Coating

• Similar properties to TiN.
• Higher temperature resistance than TiN
• More corrosion protection f the substrate than TiN
• Hard (2X hard chrome).  Not quite as hard as TiN.
• Inert and stable material
• Extremely strong adhesion—molecular bond to substrate metal.
• Broad range of substrates
• Broad range of thicknesses
• Thin film typically 3 µm (0.000118”) thick
• Uniform coating with no buildup on edges
• Follows surface texture of the part.
• High Temperature tolerant
• Electrically conductive and non-oxidizing
• Non-toxic and FDA compliant.
• Resistant to most chemicals
• Metallic chrome appearance
• Conductive – does not oxidize
• Environmentally friendly process

Use CrN for:

• Higher temperature applications
• Sliding wear applications
• Wear resistance on precision components
• Eliminates galling, fretting, microwelding, seizing and adhesive wear
• Enhances corrosion resistance but does not perfectly encapsulate the part
• Low Friction
• Holds sharp edges or corners
• Little dimensional impact, perfect for close tolerance parts

CrN Coatings General Information

• Lower residual compressive stresses than TiN.  Can be built up thicker.
• Is a dense, continuous coating, unlike hard chrome which has microcracking.
• Can withstand elevated temperatures up to 700°C (1,300°F) in air.
• Thin film coating applied by environmentally safe, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) vacuum system
• Can be applied to most metals to provide enhanced surface characteristics, and can also be applied to some ceramics and plastics
• Has the appearance of metallic silver, but is an ultra-hard material
• Is harder than hard chrome plating, off the Rockwell C scale.
• Is highly inert – will not corrode and has excellent chemical resistance.
• Is non-toxic—used for medical surgical devices and food processing equipment
• Is dense and non-porous
• Is typically 3 micrometers or .0001” thick
• Has a uniform thickness that follows the contour of the part’s surface
• Forms an outstanding bond to the base material that will not blister, flake or chip