What Is Titanium Nitride Coating and How Is It Used?
Titanium nitride coating is a hard, durable coating produced by combining titanium and nitrogen at high temperature in a vacuum environment. Applied to metal surfaces, it protects them against wear, corrosion and high temperatures. The process is carried out by placing suitable parts in a vacuum coating unit after a specialized cleaning procedure.
What Are the Advantages of Titanium Nitride Coating?
Titanium nitride coating stands out for its many advantages, and it is these advantages that have made it the coating of choice across a wide range of industries.
High Temperature Resistance: A Key Strength of Titanium Nitride Coating
Titanium nitride coating is notable for its resistance to high temperatures, significantly extending the life of parts that must operate hot. This is a major advantage in industrial applications, particularly for components in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
Corrosion Resistance of Titanium Nitride Coating
Corrosion is one of the greatest enemies of metal, and titanium nitride coating offers an excellent line of defense. The coating protects metal surfaces from corrosion and prolongs the service life of the parts.
Titanium Nitride Coating and the Environment: A Clean Technology
Titanium nitride coating is an environmentally friendly technology: no toxic substances harmful to human health are generated during its production. By extending the life of coated parts, it also helps reduce waste, shrinking its environmental footprint even further.
Alongside these functional advantages, titanium nitride offers a genuinely attractive finish, a quality that has earned it a place in jewelry, accessories and decorative applications.
Technical Specifications
| Hardness | ~2000-2400 HV approx. |
|---|---|
| Coating Thickness | approx. 1-4 µm |
| Friction Coefficient | ~0.4-0.5 approx. |
| Max. Working Temperature | approx. 600°C |
| Colour | bright gold |
* Values are approximate and may vary depending on the application and process parameters.
Where Is It Used?
Coating Types
Frequently Asked Questions
TiN (Titanium Nitride) produces a distinctive bright gold finish. This decorative appearance makes it a popular choice for furniture hardware, door handles, and architectural metalwork. The tone can be tuned from pale gold to a deeper gold by adjusting process parameters.
TiN typically reaches a hardness of around 2000-2400 HV, well above hardened tool steels. It maintains oxidation resistance up to approximately 600°C. These properties significantly extend the service life of cutting tools and molds.
TiN is the most widely used PVD coating in industry, applied to drills, end mills, inserts, punches, and injection molds. Its gold color also makes it popular for decorative furniture fittings, lighting components, and architectural trim. Because it is biocompatible, it is also specified for surgical instruments and medical device components.
Both coatings are gold-toned, but TiN delivers a richer, deeper gold while ZrN offers a lighter, champagne-like shade. Their hardness ranges are comparable; ZrN is often preferred for decorative work and food-contact industrial applications. TiN remains the industry standard for cutting tools and mold components.



