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DLC treatment: High-performance tribological coating

DEEPslide dlc PVD coating

Cette nouvelle technologie de revêtement DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) par PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) est conçue pour les applications tribologiques nécessitant une protection exceptionnelle contre l’usure et une friction réduite.

Le carbone de type diamant ped’améliorer le frottement mais aussi de réduire de manière significative les usures et le grippage. Ce revêtement, intègre une couche carbone amorphe déshydrogéné CrC + a-C et représente une solution technologique avancée dans le domaine des matériaux à couche mince (< 5 µm) et d’une dureté élevée (1500 – 2500 HV).

Grâce à leur faible coefficient de frottement, ils permettent de limiter les pertes en frottement et d’améliorer les rendements moteur et mécanique, offrant ainsi une performance exceptionnelle dans des secteurs exigeants comme l’aérospatiale, la fabrication de moules pour l’injection plastique et la production d’énergie

Ces revêtements assurent également une lubrification sèche, éliminant le besoin de lubrification liquide dans les applications où leur usage est proscrit, notamment dans les secteurs alimentaire, textile et médical. La combinaison unique de résistance à l’usure, de haute dureté, et de qualité tribologique supérieure prolonge significativement la durée de vie des pièces d’usure en mécanique, quel que soit le type de pièce traité.

Cette solution offre une alternative au a-C:H. Le DLC a-c conserve les propriétés de frottement et de protection contre l’usure élevées avec une couche sans hydrogène.

employee preparing a part for DLC PVD coating

Our process

A clean-room environment

Cleanliness,surface finish and mastery of the deposition process are the key parameters for obtaining a high-performance, adherent DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating.

- Theproduction workshop is housed in an insulated ISO 7 cleanroom, to limit and control contamination by external dust and provide enhanced protection against airborne particles.

- The parts cleaning/degreasing line is fully integrated into the cleanroom, optimizing surface treatment and guaranteeing exceptional adhesion and coating quality.

- Advanced surface preparation machines optimize surface finish and guarantee optimum adhesion, essential for corrosion andabrasion resistance.

Low-temperature treatment

Le THERMI®-DLC est appliqué sur tout type de pièces en acier, titane, cuivre, carbure, céramique, etc., via un traitement basse température (< 250°C) permettant de garantir l’absence de reprise d’usinage. Cette technique préserve les propriétés mécaniques et chimiques des composants, essentielles pour maintenir une haute performance et durée de vie prolongée des pièces traitées.

Innovative technologies

DeepSlide DLC is produced using innovative PVD technology. Our PVD solution offers a cost-effective alternative to WC-C deposition and, in some cases, hard chrome, thanks to a plasma-assisted coating process that delivers high hardness, low friction and exceptional resistance.

    Features and benefits

    Our tribological DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coating technologies are perfectly suited to the needs of demanding sectors such as aerospace, automotive and power generation. They offer great adaptability in terms of performance, part geometry and wear protection. The hydrogen content of the carbon-base layer can be tailored to optimize expected characteristics, such as high corrosion resistance and reduced wear.

    Adaptability

    Our solutions are flexible and adaptable to customer needs, integrating all the latest vacuum coating techniques in a single vacuum chamber:

    - Magnetron sputtering

    Productivity

    Our PVD process enables a high loading rate with improved productivity, guaranteeing maximum efficiency while maintaining high coating quality. This process is crucial for applications requiring high durability, such as aerospace and automotive components.

    Clean for the environment

    Our ecologically responsible DLC coating technologies represent a sustainable alternative to hard chrome plating, while complying with REACH regulations and reducing environmental impact.

    Corrosion

    THERMI®-DLC coating provides an effective solution to corrosion, extending the life of parts and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

    Non-adhesive

    DLC coatings solve the adhesion problems encountered by theplastic injection industry, among others, by offering a smooth surface that minimizes friction and seizing.

    stability

    As the DLC PVD coating is dehydrogenated, it offers more stable physical properties in certain environments such as water, oil and other liquids. This technology allows a maximum operating temperature of 350°C.

    Conclusion of DLC treatment :

    In short, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment is a state-of-the-art tribological solution. This solution offers protection against wear, corrosion and seizure. Thanks to its low friction and non-stick properties, this coating is ideal for applications requiring enhanced durability and performance, notably in the aerospace, automotive, plastic injection and power generation sectors.

    In addition to extending the life of mechanical components, DLC treatment helps reduce maintenance and lubrication requirements, while complying with strict environmental standards. Adaptable to a wide range of materials and configurations, it represents an essential technological advance for industries seeking efficiency and durability.

    woman checking a treated part under the microscope

    For study and order

    Information to be provided :

    - Steel grade (standardized designation preferred) or other (carbide, aluminum, titanium, etc.)
    - Previous treatments
    - Functional parts, geometric tolerances to be respected
    - Hardness tolerances
    - Required thickness
    - Part drawing, weight, number of parts per shipment and per year. 

    Ask for a quote

    business sectors concerned

    THERMI®-DLC coatings are produced at the THERMI-LYON and THERMI-PLATiN' sites. Through their respective organizations, THERMI-LYON offers DLC for the aeronautical components and parts market, and THERMI-PLATiN' for the forming tool (injection mold, punch, die), medical and aesthetic parts markets.

    Our various documentations

    Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coating

    DLC is a state-of-the-art solution for industries requiring extreme resistance to wear and seizure. Suitable for a wide range of applications, this vacuum coating is ideal for mechanical, medical and food parts.

    Read more

    Our FAQs

    What is vacuum deposition?

    Vacuum deposition is a surface treatment used to deposit a material or alloy on a mechanical part.

    The use of vacuum technology ensures a perfectly clean, non-polluting process.

    It is not subject to REACH legislation.

    What are the advantages of PVD technology?

    This process greatly increases resistance to wear, abrasion, friction and corrosion. As a result, component life is greatly extended.

    Standard thicknesses are of the order of 3µm and deposition is carried out on finished parts.

    What's the difference between PVD and PACVD?

    PVD is physical vapor deposition. The element to be deposited is obtained by evaporation or sputtering via a physical process. PACVD is plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition. The element to be deposited is obtained from chemical reactions. Plasma enables this chemical reaction to take place at lower temperatures.

    What are the industrial applications of vacuum deposition?

    Vacuum deposits are classified into several categories: anti-wear, friction, decorative and biocompatibility. The applications are therefore very varied: automotive components, aerospace, tooling, cutting tools, medical devices, decorative parts...

    How do I choose the right deposit method?

    The deposition method depends above all on the nature of the coating to be deposited and the substrate.

    If the substrate cannot be heated to high temperature, the deposition must be carried out using low-temperature technology.

    If the coating to be deposited consists of a solid element (metal or graphite target), a physical process such as PVD is used. If the coating consists of a gas or liquid, a chemical process such as CVD or PACVD is used.

    What is the purpose of case-hardening? 

    Incorporate carbon below the surface of the steel part to improve fatigue and wear resistance on the surface, while maintaining good core mechanical properties.

    See all FAQs

    Do you have a question or a need?

    Our team will advise you on the most suitable process for your needs.

    Contact us

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