GARR Tool Coatings Explained

In machining and metalworking, the right tools make all the difference in achieving precision, efficiency, and quality. GARR TOOL leads the way in high-performance solid carbide cutting tools. Their wide range of products includes drill bits, roughers, reamers, burrs, and more! Industries from aerospace to medical count on their unparalleled performance. But with so many products, finding what you’re looking for can be tricky. While an end mill's shape, size, and style decide how it is used, the coating is equally important. GARR TOOL uses ten different coatings on their products, each serving a unique purpose. Today, we’ll unpack GARR’s extensive coating options to help you understand which tools best suit your needs.

Note: GARR TOOL products come with or without a specified coating, but some coatings can be added to stock items upon request.

TiN (Titanium Nitride):

Titanium Nitride, also called TiN, has a distinctive gold tint and is a reliable choice for general-purpose milling applications. It boasts good lubricity and enhances chip flow while reducing friction, making it ideal for softer materials. TiN also handles temperatures up to 600°C. TiN-coated end mills run approximately 20-30% faster than their uncoated counterparts—and live three times as long.

TiCN (Titanium Carbonitride):

TiCN, or Titanium Carbonitride, features an abrasion resistance that works efficiently with aluminum, brass, bronze, and non-ferrous metals. Despite lower thermal conductivity than TiN, qualities like its lubricity and heat resistance (withstanding temperatures below 800°C) mean it lasts longer, and its strong adhesion promises protection for parts that experience a lot of friction. TiCN allows end mills to be used at 50% higher speeds than traditional end mills thanks to its protective properties.

TiAlN (Titanium Aluminum Nitride):

TiAlN, or Titanium Aluminum Nitride, boasts a multi-layer structure of high-performance coatings. Tailored for semi-dry to dry cutting across a spectrum of materials, including most steels, high-nickel alloys, stainless steel, and cast iron, TiAlN combines excellent heat resistance with good lubricity. TiAlN is optimized for materials with a hardness of 40Rc and under, similar to TiCN, yet excels at high cutting temperatures — ideal for high-speed machining. End mills coated with TiAlN can operate approximately 100% faster than uncoated ones.

AlTiN (Aluminum Titanium Nitride):

AlTiN, or Aluminum Titanium Nitride, simplifies with a single-layer coating. The chemical makeup of AlTiN and TiAlN are incredibly similar, but this alloy is composed of more aluminum than TiAlN. Whereas TiAlN is a good choice for steels and cast iron, AlTiN is tailored explicitly for high-speed machining of titanium alloys and Inconel (nickel-chromium-based superalloys). This coating’s hardness, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability work well for materials over 38Rc. Its remarkable attributes extend tool life and, notably, reduce the machining cycles commonly used in aircraft and aerospace applications.

ALUMASTAR® (Titanium Diboride - TiB2):

ALUMASTAR®, a Titanium Diboride (TiB2) composition, is a thin film coating focused on machining aluminum alloys. The coating thickness is kept at a minimum to preserve a sharp cutting edge. A low affinity for aluminum reduces adhesion and enables higher machining speeds and feeds.

Crystalline Diamond (CVD):

Crystalline Diamond, or CVD, excels as a cutting tool for precision machining of graphite and fiberglass. Its unique properties improve productivity, especially when working with composites, making it a standout choice for those specialized applications.

AlCrN (Aluminum Chromium Nitride):

Aluminum Chromium Nitride, or AlCrN, is a coating known for its exceptional wear resistance, thermal shock stability, and hot hardness. AlCrN is well-suited for machining materials like titanium, Inconel, and carbon fiber. AlCrN’s reliability extends to working with stainless steel, titanium, cast iron, tool steels, and other challenging materials— a valuable asset for any manufacturer.

HARDLUBE:

HARDLUBE is a multi-layer coating. This coating is well-suited for drilling various materials, including steels, high-nickel alloys, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminum, brass, and bronze. It is valued for its exceptional thermal stability and lubricating properties — great for applications that demand heat resistance, durability, and reliable performance.

AlTiN-based:

The AlTiN-based coating is advantageous for carbide drills and demanding drilling applications. This coating's nanostructure, which includes AlTiN and AlCrN, significantly enhances productivity with a wide range of materials. Excellent abrasion resistance, extra shear strength, lower adhesion tendency, maximum toughness, and a remarkably smooth surface—superior drilling performance and extended tool life.

AlCrN-based:

The AlCrN-based coating has high wear resistance, especially under severe thermal stress. It exhibits excellent adhesion properties, effectively preventing sticking and build-up on tool edges. AlCrN-based coating is particularly well-suited for machining high-temperature alloys, stainless steel, and tool steels. This is a top choice for demanding applications that require durability and precision.