TaC PVD
COATINGS.
TaC PVD diamond coatings provide exceptional hardness, low friction, and superior tool life for non-ferrous machining, aluminum, and composites.
Request a QuoteTaC PVD Diamond Coating
TaC, or Tetrahedral Amorphous Carbon, is an exceptionally hard carbon-based PVD coating engineered specifically for cutting non-ferrous materials. Often described as a PVD diamond coating, TaC provides an optically smooth, free-cutting surface that helps reduce friction, material adhesion, and abrasive tool wear.
North Star Coating recommends TaC for aluminum machining and for difficult abrasive materials such as glass-filled and carbon-filled plastics. At approximately 6,500 HV and only 1 micron thick, the coating protects precision cutting edges without significantly changing tool geometry or critical dimensions.
Request a Quote
TaC Coating Properties
TaC combines exceptional hardness, minimal coating thickness, and an extremely smooth surface for precision cutting of non-ferrous and highly abrasive materials.
Coating Color
Grey
Produces a smooth grey finish on carbide drills, end mills, routers, reamers, and other precision cutting tools.
Surface Hardness
6,500 HV
Provides exceptional resistance to abrasive wear when machining aluminum, reinforced plastics, and other non-ferrous materials.
Oxidation Temperature
Up to 800°F
Supports non-ferrous cutting applications while requiring proper heat control when machining conditions generate elevated temperatures.
Applications for TaC Coatings
TaC is designed for cutting tools used on non-ferrous metals and abrasive composite materials where low friction, sharp-edge retention, and resistance to material buildup are essential.
Aluminum Machining
Reduces aluminum adhesion and built-up edge while helping cutting tools maintain a clean, free-cutting surface.
6061 Aluminum
Provides low-friction protection for drills, end mills, and other tooling used to machine commonly specified 6061 aluminum.
Carbon-Filled Plastics
Resists the severe abrasion produced by carbon reinforcement while helping preserve sharp cutting edges and dimensional accuracy.
Glass-Filled Plastics
Protects tooling from abrasive glass fibers that can quickly wear uncoated cutting edges during plastic machining.
Carbide Cutting Tools
Can be applied to carbide tools across a wide range of grades and cobalt contents without the carbide restrictions associated with some carbon-based coatings.
Precision Finishing Tools
The smooth, thin coating supports reamers, routers, and finishing tools where edge sharpness and workpiece surface quality are critical.
Why Choose TaC Coating?
TaC provides an exceptionally hard, thin, and smooth cutting surface for non-ferrous metals and abrasive composite materials that can rapidly wear conventional tooling.
Exceptional Surface Hardness
At approximately 6,500 HV, TaC provides an extremely hard barrier against abrasive particles and reinforced materials that can rapidly dull cutting edges.
Optically Smooth Surface
The extremely smooth coating reduces drag at the cutting edge and limits microscopic surface irregularities where workpiece material can begin to adhere.
Reduced Aluminum Buildup
TaC has a low affinity for aluminum, helping reduce built-up edge and material accumulation that can interfere with cutting action and workpiece finish.
Minimal Coating Thickness
At approximately 1 micron, or .000040 inch, TaC protects the tool while preserving sharp edges, small features, and precision cutting geometry.
Improved Cutting Finish
The free-cutting, low-friction surface helps the tool move cleanly through the material, supporting a smoother finish on machined workpieces.
Broad Carbide Compatibility
North Star states that TaC can be applied to any carbide grade or cobalt level, providing flexibility across a broad range of carbide cutting-tool substrates.
Let's Find the Right PVD Coating for Your Application
Whether you're coating cutting tools, dies, molds, or wear components, our team can recommend the best coating for your manufacturing process.