Frequently asked questions

PVD (physical vapor deposition) coatings are thin, ultra-hard ceramic films — nitrides and carbonitrides such as TiN, TiCN, AlTiN, CrN and ZrN — bonded to the surface in a vacuum to add hardness, wear resistance and often color. DLC (diamond-like carbon) coatings are amorphous carbon films prized for extremely low friction and a deep black finish. Crystallume PVD offers six PVD coatings and a three-coating DLC "Black Series." See all coatings →

It depends on your material, how the part is used, the temperature it sees, and whether appearance matters. As a starting point: AlTiN (Scorpion Stinger) for hot, high-speed and dry machining; TiCN (Python Scales) for abrasive, coolant-fed cutting; TiN (King Cobra) as a proven all-rounder; ZrN (Murder Hornet) for aluminum and medical work; CrN (Rhino Hide) for corrosion and hot forming; and our DLC Black Series for ultra-low friction. Not sure? Describe your part and we will recommend the right one →

Color is an important factor, especially for decorative work. Our finishes include gold (TiN), light gold (ZrN), violet-black (AlTiN), grey (TiCN), silver (CrN), bronze (Hercules Beetle), and deep black (DLC). The final shade depends on the part's surface finish — a polished part looks different from a bead-blasted one. Browse coatings by color →

Most of our PVD coatings are applied at about 450 °C (CrN at 350 °C). For parts that cannot take that heat — already-hardened tool steels or precision-ground components — we offer Black Widow, a low-temperature DLC applied at just 200 °C, which protects the temper and dimensions of finished parts.

Yes. Black Widow is a sputtered chromium-doped DLC (Cr-DLC) deposited at just 200 °C, made specifically for already-hardened steels, precision-ground parts, springs, fasteners and other components that cannot tolerate higher coating temperatures without losing temper or distorting.

Very hard. Our PVD coatings range from about 2,000 HV (CrN) up to roughly 3,300 HV (AlTiN) — far harder than hardened steel or hard chrome plating. Our DLC coatings run from about 1,500 to 2,500 HV while adding ultra-low friction.

Yes — especially DLC. Black Voodoo has a coefficient of friction of just 0.05–0.08, which eliminates galling and keeps sliding parts slick under heavy load. Lower friction means less heat, less wear, and longer part life.

We routinely coat carbide, high-speed steel (HSS), tool steels, stainless steels, titanium and aluminum components — cutting tools, dies and molds, firearms, medical devices and precision parts. If you are unsure whether your material is a good candidate, just ask us.

Often yes — but usually with one important step first. A PVD coating is extremely thin and hard, so it performs best on a firm, stable surface. Aluminum and other soft metals can deflect under load, which doesn't fully support the coating. For these parts we typically recommend applying electroless nickel plating first to create a hard, uniform base layer, then coating over it. Our low-temperature Black Widow DLC — applied at just 200 °C — is a strong option over electroless nickel, adding a slick, hard, durable finish without harming the plating or the part. Tell us your material and we'll recommend the right prep and coating.

Cast parts need to be evaluated case by case. Many castings contain porosity and trapped debris or contaminants that outgas inside the vacuum chamber during coating, which can interfere with adhesion and create defects. Some cast parts can be coated successfully after the right cleaning and preparation; others are not good candidates for PVD. Send us details about your part and we'll assess whether it can be coated.

Good preparation is the single biggest factor in coating quality. Parts should arrive clean, dry, and fully deburred — free of oil, coolant, wax, polishing compound, rust, scale, fingerprints, and unknown surface treatments — because PVD and DLC are thin films that follow (and can even highlight) the surface beneath them. Also tell us your material and heat-treat condition, any prior plating or coatings, your masking needs, and any critical tolerances. See our full part preparation guide for the details and a pre-shipment checklist.

Our coatings are thin — typically 1–4 microns (μm) — so they preserve tight tolerances and sharp edges while dramatically improving surface performance. CrN can be applied thicker for heavy wear and corrosion duty.

Black Voodoo is eco-friendly — chromium-free, inert and non-toxic. Several of our coatings, such as TiN and ZrN, are chemically inert, easy to clean, and well suited to medical instruments and food-contact parts.

Cutting tools and tooling, aerospace, medical and surgical, automotive and motorsport, firearms, and high-tech precision manufacturing — including demanding work such as DNA-sample testing components. See coatings by industry →

Send us your material, part and application through our quote form, and a coating expert — not an auto-reply — will respond within one business day with a recommended coating and a realistic lead time. Request a quote →

With documented care. Every job is received, inspected, tracked, and returned the way it should be. Your information stays confidential, and an NDA is available on request.

Lincoln, California. Crystallume PVD is a division of RobbJack Corporation, a premium cutting-tool manufacturer operating since 1984.