DLC stands for Diamond-Like Carbon. It is a hard, low-friction carbon coating used on selected cutting tools.
DLC-coated cutters are particularly useful in applications where material adhesion and friction must be reduced.
Machining aluminium and duralumin
Aluminium and its alloys can adhere to the cutting edge when machined under unsuitable conditions. This build-up reduces surface quality, increases cutting forces and may damage the tool.
A DLC coating helps reduce aluminium adhesion, supports chip evacuation and can extend tool life. The final result still depends on tool geometry, machine rigidity, spindle speed, feed rate, cutting depth and suitable cooling or lubrication.
Other suitable materials
Depending on their geometry, DLC-coated cutters may also be suitable for:
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plastics and engineering polymers,
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composite materials,
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rubber and softer synthetic materials,
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other non-ferrous metals.
When is DLC unsuitable?
DLC is not a universal coating for every material. TiAlN, AlTiN or other specialised coatings may be more suitable for hardened steels and applications involving high mechanical and thermal loads.
When selecting a cutter, consider the material, cutter diameter, operation, spindle performance and available cooling. Always carry out a test cut before production.