DLC coating, or Diamond-Like Carbon coating, is a popular choice for its hardness and resistance properties. However, like any technology, it comes with its own set of disadvantages. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about whether DLC coating is right for your needs.
What are the 7 Key Disadvantages of DLC Coating?
1. Pinholes
DLC coatings can sometimes have small defects known as pinholes. These can affect the overall quality and performance of the coating.
2. Non-Uniform Coating Thickness
DLC coatings may not always have a uniform thickness across the entire surface. This can lead to variations in the coating's properties and performance.
3. Residual Stress
During the DLC coating process, residual stress can build up between the coating and the base material. This stress can potentially cause deformation or even cracking of the coating.
4. Poor Coating Adhesion
While DLC coatings generally have good adhesion to many substrates, there can be instances where the adhesion is not optimal. This can lead to delamination or peeling of the coating over time.
5. Line-of-Sight Transfer
Most physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating techniques, including DLC coating, operate based on line-of-sight transfer. This means that the coating can only be applied to areas directly exposed to the vapor source. Complex geometries may not be fully covered by the coating.
6. High Temperatures and Vacuums
Some PVD technologies used for DLC coating require high temperatures and vacuums during the deposition process. This can pose challenges and require special attention from operating personnel.
7. Cooling Water System
DLC coating may generate large heat loads during the deposition process, necessitating the use of a cooling water system to dissipate the heat. This additional requirement adds complexity and cost to the coating process.
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