Tool Coatings That Go the Distance

Three coating options, when to use each, and where they’re available across our product lines.

Coating Selection Guide

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Zirc (ZrCN): Built for non-ferrous work to reduce heat, resist buildup, and improve finish.

Onyx DLC (ta-C): Ultra-low friction for highly abrasive materials.

Choose the most effective coating based on your material →

AlTiN+ (nACo)

Best for: steels, stainless, titanium,
and high-temp alloys
Helps with: Heat control, edge wear, longer life in demanding cuts

Zirc (ZrCN)

Best for: aluminum
and other non-ferrous materials
Helps with: Reduced built-up edge (BUE), cleaner finishes, smoother cutting.

Onyx DLC (ta-C)

Best for: Non-ferrous, highly abrasive materials
Helps with: Very low friction, high hardness, excellent adhesion resistance.

Coating Availability by Product Line

  
    


      
          Product line
          AlTiN+ (nACo)
          Zirc (ZrCN)
          Onyx DLC (ta-C)
        


      General Tool Families

          Single Point Tools
          ✓Available
          N/ANot offered
          N/ANot offered
        

          Indexable Boring Tools
          ✓Available
          N/ANot offered
          N/ANot offered
        

          Milling Tools
          ✓Available
          N/ANot offered
          N/ANot offered
        

          Cavity Tools
          ✓Available
          N/ANot offered
          N/ANot offered
        
Thread Mills

          Single Profile Thread Mills - UN
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          Single Profile Thread Mills - Metric
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          15° Helical Thread Mills - UN
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          15° Helical Thread Mills - Metric
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          Long Reach Thread Mills - UN
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          Long Reach Thread Mills - Metric
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          Straight Flute Thread Mills - UN
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          Straight Flute Thread Mills - Metric
          ✓
          N/A
          ✓
        

          Pipe Threads
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          UNJ External Threads
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          ACME Threads
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        
Porting Tools

          AS5202 Reamer-style Porting Tool
          ✓
          ✓
          N/A
        

          AS5202 Pilotless-style Porting Tool
          ✓
          ✓
          N/A
        

          SAE J1926 Reamer-style Porting Tools
          ✓
          ✓
          N/A
        

          SAE J1926 Pilotless-style Porting Tools
          ✓
          ✓
          N/A
        

          Rosan Cavity Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          ISO 6149/1 Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          MS33514 Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          AND10050
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          Tapered Pipe Reamer Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          Autoclave Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          ISO 1179 Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          MS21921 Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

          MS33651 Porting Tools
          ✓
          N/A
          N/A
        

    
      ✓ Available
      N/A Not a standard offering. Some tools may be eligible for special-order coatings. Contact us to confirm. 
    

  

Common Coating Decisions

A few quick examples to help you pick a strong starting point. Availability varies by tool family.

Scenario #1

Stainless steel threads where size and tool life need stability

Higher heat
Edge wear
Consistency matters

Common starting point

AlTiN+ Zirc (ZrCN) Onyx DLC (ta-C)

Best for tougher alloys

Scenario #2

Aluminum porting where finish and built up edge are the main pain points

Adhesion risk
Finish driven
Smooth cutting

Common starting point

AlTiN+ Zirc (ZrCN) Onyx DLC (ta-C)

Best for non-ferrous

Scenario #3

Non-ferrous work where tools tend to pick up material

Anti-stick
Low friction
Wear resistance

Common starting point

AlTiN+ Zirc (ZrCN) Onyx DLC (ta-C)

Great for adhesion control

Q: Do all tools come coated?
A: No. Some tools are available uncoated, and some coatings are limited to specific families and geometries.

Q: How do I know what coating my tool is available in?
A: Check the product page or request a recommendation. We will confirm availability based on your tool and application.

Q: Can I specify which coating I want when requesting a quote?
A: Yes. If you’d like us to help you pick, include your workpiece material, coolant approach, and what you are optimizing for (tool life, finish, cycle time).

Q: Where are SCT coatings applied?
A: Most SCT coatings are applied in-house at Scientific Cutting Tools using our Platit Pi80 PVD platform, so we can control scheduling, handling, and consistency. We are also expanding our in-house coating capability with the CemeCon CC800 HiPIMS system as part of our connected Tech Trifecta, which adds HiPIMS capability and tighter process control as new coatings complete qualification. Stay tuned!

Frequently Asked Questions

Want us to recommend the right coating?

Send your application details and we will point you to the best starting option and confirm availability.

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