Getting a diamond-like carbon distributor to coat your tools is generally a good investment. With the purest forms of diamond-like carbon coating, it's possible to increase the product life of a tool by almost 10 times. Things like bone saws, machinery parts and stainless steel blades are much less costly to maintain after being coated in diamond-like carbon.

Besides tools, machines like dies, molds, punches and engines can also be coated in diamond-like carbon coating. This increases their lifetime and decreases the amount of repolishing and lubrication they need for everyday use. Before you spray your tools with carbon, consider these factors:

1. Know the temperatures your tool or machine part can withstand. If the item will warp under extreme heat, alternative methods of applying diamond-like carbon may be necessary.

2. Make sure diamond-like carbon coating will bond with the surface of your object. With some application methods, the carbon will bond to anything, but others require specific materials.

3. Think of ascetics. Coating something in diamond-like carbon gives it a shiny black coating that some people like. But if you have specific colors in mind for your object, it may be best to consider other options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick a form of diamond-like carbon coating

There are seven forms of diamond-like carbon coating, all made mostly from hybridized carbon atoms. Which form you decide to use should depend on how much you want to extend the life of your tools and how much of a factor cost is. Fillers such as hydrogen and metals can be used to bring down production costs, but decrease the service lifetime of your tools.

I recommend: Discuss which form of diamond-like carbon coating would be best for your needs with DIARC Technology, or email Surface Technology about ordering diamond-like carbon online.

Decide on an application method for your diamond-like carbon coating

The ion beam deposition method can be used at very low temperatures on items that cannot survive extreme heat, but it doesn't provide as even a coating as other methods. Plasma assisted CVD techniques require extremely high temperatures and coat thickly and uniformly. A newer technique called the closed field unbalanced magnetron sputter ion plating process is now in high demand because it adheres well to almost any surface and produces a very high quality coating.

I recommend: Contact Casidiam for help deciding on an application method, or ask Umicore Coating Services about their finish for rugged and abrasion-resistant applications.

Find a diamond-like carbon manufacturer to produce your coating

Because most diamond-like carbon companies only use a few of the available methods of application, it's important to make sure that they use the best for your object. Diamond-like carbon coating suppliers sometimes have pre-coated tools and machinery available in varying forms for low cost. These items are mass produced, however, so they cannot fulfill some specialized needs.

I recommend: To buy from a diamond-like carbon coated tool supplier, check out sp3 Cutting Tools. Or, commission a custom coating from the Surmet, a diamond-like carbon manufacturer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you buy diamond-like carbon coated tools, keep in mind that the quality of the coating is not always specified, and that fillers may be used. If you require a higher quality coating or extremely long product life, it's best to commission custom coating.