Coatings like PVD typically have an incumbent tensile stress that can lead to fatigue cracks - reducing the durability of the coating.
Wet blasting can be used to peen coatings, converting tensile stresses into compressive stresses - dramatically improve the durability of the coating and the life of the tool, especially in demanding applications.
The compressive stresses and densification of the coating achieved via wet blasting closes micro-pores and removes surface imperfections.
This sealing effect helps to prevent corrosive agents from penetrating the coating and reaching the underlying tool material.
With reduced permeability to corrosive environments, the coating is less likely to degrade over time, leading to longer-lasting protection for the tool.
Tools with peened coatings typically exhibit improved cutting efficiency due to the combined effects of better adhesion, increased hardness, and a smoother surface finish.
This results in more precise cuts, less heat generation, and reduced tool wear.
It also contributes to greater stability of the coating under operational stresses, reducing the likelihood of sudden coating failures that could impact tool performance.
