10. Surface treatments on molds and tools

The volume properties of mold and tool materials are enhanced on the surface by treatments and coatings. Treatments (carburizing, nitriding, laser hardening) harden the part over tens or even hundreds of microns, and the order of magnitude of the temperatures to which this hardening resists is comparable to that of the base material. Thin coatings (chemical or electrochemical) harden the surface over a few microns, or modify its tribological (especially for forging) or chemical (especially for casting) properties. Operating temperatures depend essentially on the material deposited.

Thick coatings (up to several millimeters), obtained by thermal spraying or hardfacing, enable very high-strength materials (tungsten carbide, etc.) to be brought into contact with the shaped product.

Hot isostatic compaction (CIC) hardfacing ensures excellent...