Patented CatArc® Coatings

VTI's patented CatArc® vacuum coating process produces hard, wear resistant coatings for a variety of applications such as medical, injection molding, and metal cutting/forming.

CatArc® coatings can be applied at low temperatures, as low as 350° F, allowing temperature sensitive tool steels to be coated without concern for dimensional or hardness changes.

Sputtered Coatings

In addition to CatArc® process, VTI offers high energy sputtered coatings. Sputtering is a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process applied at (800° F) Temperatures.

These smooth and very hard coatings are primarily utilized in metal cutting tool applications. Drills, taps, hobs, end mills, etc. show greatly reduced wear and exhibit outstanding longevity. Coating compositions include TiN, TiAlN, TiCN, and TiB2.

Available coatings include CatArc® TiN, CatArc® CrN, CatArc® ZrN , CatArc® TiCN and CatArc Black Cat. These ceramic coatings dramatically extend tool life versus uncoated parts. Other benefits may include reduced friction (improved lubricity) and improved thermal isolation, which are especially important in injection molding applications.

Expert Assistance

Please refer to our Coating Selection Guide page for recommendations on which coating to use in various machining applications. Please also visit our Cutting Tools and Punches and Electronics pages for more information on these applications.