Diamond Coating: 8x Longer Service Life for Solid Carbide Saw Blades

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SIMTOS (Seoul International Machine Tool Show)

A Specialized Coating System Makes It Possible

The specialized plasma CVD (chemical vapor deposition) technology for diamond coatings used on the Indiama coating system—developed in-house by Oerlikon Balzers—also offers advantages that set new standards. For one thing, it enables a particularly uniform and cost-effective diamond coating process for relatively large volumes. On the other hand, the system can also accommodate shank-type tools (such as end mills and drill bits) with a total length of 330 millimeters (13.0 inches) and a coated length of up to 150 millimeters (5.9 inches), or saw blades with a diameter of up to 200 millimeters (7.9 inches). This makes it possible to achieve a price level comparable to that of high-quality PVD coatings. However, the greater benefit stems from longer tool life, greater stability, and reduced process complexity—and thus lower cutting costs per component. Oerlikon Balzers notes that interested parties are welcome to conduct their own coating trials.

The Follow-Up Project Will Focus on Drill Bits

The Baldia Varia nanocrystalline diamond coating, deposited at temperatures exceeding 800 degrees Celsius, has a hardness of up to 10,000 HV (Vickers). By comparison, PVD coatings typically reach 3,000 to 4,500 HV. The diamond’s hardness ensures sharp cutting edges over long periods of time for burr-free cutting of non-ferrous metals, as well as high abrasion resistance. The extremely smooth, low-friction coating also resists adhesive wear and material buildup. According to Heugel, comparable and cost-effective systems have not been found among other coating providers. The company’s CEO already has his sights set on a follow-up project with Oerlikon Balzers! This project involves the use of saw blades and drill bits coated with Baldia Varia for machining lead-free brass in the electrical industry. To this end, he is conducting long-term tests with a mass manufacturer on rotary transfer machines, with the primary goal of reducing the cost per component.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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Hurdle Cleared!