10. Conclusion

The surface treatment of tool steels has undergone significant change since the 2000s. These developments can be seen in several directions: surface nanostructuring by mechanical means, surface texturing by laser, the production of multilayers and even nanolayers by PVD or PACVD techniques, in association with a preliminary thermochemical treatment to ensure multifunctionality of the deposits thus produced. PVD and PACVD coatings have also undergone significant evolution, with the emergence of new coatings such as TiAlCN or TiAlCrN, which combine several properties such as wear resistance and resistance to corrosion or oxidation.

Today's tool steel users can choose from a number of surface treatment processes, and the improvements they bring depend on the type of tool degradation. Thermochemical treatments, as well as superficial heat treatments, are to be preferred...