Chromium Nitride is an extremely hard, inert, thin film coating that is applied primarily to precision metal parts. Chrome Nitride (CrN) offers greater temperature resistance than TiN and is an ideal choice in high temperature environments. CrN also performs well in corrosive environments and in sliding wear applications.

Chromium Nitride (CrN) Coating

• Similar properties to TiN.
• Higher temperature resistance than TiN
• More corrosion protection f the substrate than TiN
• Hard (2X hard chrome). Not quite as hard as TiN.
• Inert and stable material
• Extremely strong adhesion—molecular bond to substrate metal.
• Broad range of substrates
• Broad range of thicknesses
• Thin film typically 3 µm (0.000118”) thick
• Uniform coating with no buildup on edges
• Follows surface texture of the part.
• High Temperature tolerant
• Electrically conductive and non-oxidizing
• Non-toxic and FDA compliant.
• Resistant to most chemicals
• Metallic chrome appearance
• Conductive – does not oxidize
• Environmentally friendly process

Use CrN for:

• Higher temperature applications
• Sliding wear applications
• Wear resistance on precision components
• Eliminates galling, fretting, microwelding, seizing and adhesive wear
• Enhances corrosion resistance but does not perfectly encapsulate the part
• Low Friction
• Holds sharp edges or corners
• Little dimensional impact, perfect for close tolerance parts

CrN Coatings General Information

• Lower residual compressive stresses than TiN. Can be built up thicker.
• Is a dense, continuous coating, unlike hard chrome which has microcracking.
• Can withstand elevated temperatures up to 700°C (1,300°F) in air.
• Thin film coating applied by environmentally safe, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) vacuum system
• Can be applied to most metals to provide enhanced surface characteristics, and can also be applied to some ceramics and plastics
• Has the appearance of metallic silver, but is an ultra-hard material
• Is harder than hard chrome plating, off the Rockwell C scale.
• Is highly inert – will not corrode and has excellent chemical resistance.
• Is non-toxic—used for medical surgical devices and food processing equipment
• Is dense and non-porous
• Is typically 3 micrometers or .0001” thick
• Has a uniform thickness that follows the contour of the part’s surface
• Forms an outstanding bond to the base material that will not blister, flake or chip

Other CrN information:

CrN Coatings Typical Physical Properties Chart

• Check out these helpful resources:
• Guide to Substrate Preparation for thin film coatings
• Thickness Conversion Chart
• Temperature Conversion Chart