Characterization of hard coatings by depth-sensing indentation measurements: indentor effects

Abstract

Abstract Depth-sensing indentation measurements were performed with Knoop, Vickers and Berkovich indentors on hard coating systems consisting of magnetron-sputtered TiN, cathodic are-deposited TiN and (Ti,Al)N, as well as magnetron-sputtered Zr-B-N. All coatings were deposited on hardened high-speed steel. The measurements were evaluated by an energy-related approach which provided the separation between coating, interface and substrate responses. The efficiency of the different indentors to the illustration of coating, interface and substrate effects was examined. In general, Berkovich-recorded results had the greatest potential for reproducible and reliable results.