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Tooling reference
Tool Coating Comparison Chart
Compare common CNC tool coatings before raising speeds, changing coolant strategy, or blaming tool life.
Direct answer: tool coating choice should match material, heat, coolant condition, and chip-welding risk before speeds are raised. Confirm geometry, substrate, and supplier limits before release.
Tooling reference
Tool Coating Comparison Chart
Comparison chart for common CNC tool coatings by material fit, heat resistance, coolant condition, and chip-welding risk.
Source: Created from the 2026-06-24 GSC tooling support expansion; final coating choice depends on tool geometry, substrate, machine rigidity, coolant, and supplier recommendation.Updated: 2026-06-24
| Coating | Best fit | Avoid when | Planning note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated polished carbide | Aluminum, brass, plastics | Abrasive or high-heat steel cuts | Use sharp polished edges where chip welding is the main risk. |
| TiN | General-purpose low to medium heat cuts | High-speed dry steel or titanium | Useful baseline coating but often not the fastest choice. |
| TiCN | Steel, cast iron, abrasive moderate-heat work | Hot dry cuts above its thermal comfort zone | Adds wear resistance for controlled coolant conditions. |
| TiAlN / AlTiN | Steel, stainless, titanium, dry or hot cuts | Sticky aluminum without proper edge prep | Heat resistance supports higher speed when chip evacuation is stable. |
| ZrN | Aluminum and copper alloys | High-temperature steel roughing | Helps reduce built-up edge on non-ferrous materials. |
| Diamond / DLC | Graphite, composites, abrasive non-ferrous work | Ferrous machining at high heat | Use for abrasion resistance where chemistry is compatible. |
Coating guide
Review coating behavior, heat limits, and non-ferrous chip-welding risk.
Tool-life handoff
Estimate replacement timing before changing speed or coating assumptions.
Feeds and speeds
Reset cutting speed, chip load, and feed after selecting a coating family.
Download chart
Use the PDF while selecting tooling for new materials or operations.