Investigation into adhesive wear of PVD coated and uncoated hot stamping production tools

The tribological behaviour of two sets of industrial hot stamping tools, one tool made of uncoated hot work tool steel and another PVD coated hot work tool steel set, were analysed by means of a surface replication technique. This technique allows using laboratory equipment and methodology for the inspection of tools without removing them from production. By means of this procedure, on the one hand adhesive wear mechanism can be identified and properly described and, on the other hand, the morphology and thickness of adhered material on tool surface is measured. The tribological behaviour of different industrial tools can be compared objectively.