PVD coatings for sheet metal forming processes—a tribological evaluation

The use of liquid-based lubricants in sheet metal forming mutually has a negative impact on the environment and on the whole economy, and, consequently, there is an urgent need to find a solution to make the forming processes dry or nearly dry. The deposition of a low-friction PVD coating on the forming tool has during the last years proved to be an interesting choice when it comes to create an “unlubricated” forming process. In the present study, five different PVD coatings (one CrN and four metal-carbide-doped DLC coatings) have been evaluated in sliding contact against hot dip Zn and 55% Al–Zn-coated steel sheet using a ball-on-disc test. From the investigation, it was found that all DLC coatings have potential to prevent material pickup during dry forming of hot dip Zn-coated steel. However, the as-deposited surface morphology, showing surface irregularities such as droplets and dimples, of the coatings will strongly influence the tribological performance, and, consequently, a polishing treatment or a running-in process, resulting in a smooth surface, will significantly reduce the tendency to material pickup. In sliding contact against 55% Al–Zn-coated steel, all PVD coatings display material pickup and high friction values, the only exception being a CrC-doped DLC coating in the as-polished condition. The CrN coating showed poor performance in sliding contact against both steel sheet materials due to a high tendency to material pickup. The study focuses on the tribo-induced changes of the surface condition of the PVD coating and the steel sheet surface during the sliding event. The changes in surface chemistry and topography of the tribo surfaces were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and light interference profilometry.