Diamantcoating

Diamantcoating, or diamond coating, refers to a hard protective film applied to a surface to increase hardness, wear resistance, and sometimes reduce friction. The term is used in Dutch and international contexts and can denote coatings based on real diamond materials such as polycrystalline diamond (PCD) or single-crystal diamond (SCD), as well as diamond-like carbon films that mimic some properties of diamond.

True diamond coatings are typically deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, sometimes with microwave or radio-frequency plasmas, and may be grown on tool substrates at elevated temperatures. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings are amorphous carbon films deposited by PECVD or sputtering using hydrocarbon gases and can be tailored for hardness and tribological performance. The term diamantcoating is often used interchangeably in consumer contexts with DLC.

Properties include exceptional hardness, high thermal conductivity for diamond, and low chemical reactivity. DLC coatings offer adjustable friction and wear characteristics. Coating thicknesses range from a few hundred nanometers to several micrometers, and adhesion depends on substrate preparation and coating process.

Applications include cutting and forming tools such as drills, milling cutters, and saws; wear components like valves and bearings; and certain medical instruments and optical components where hardness and chemical stability are beneficial.

Limitations include higher production costs, potential adhesion or interface issues on certain substrates, and restrictions on thickness and geometry. Coatings may require specialized equipment, surface preparation, and careful process controls to ensure performance and longevity.