Tribological behaviour of W–Ti–N coatings in semi-industrial strip-drawing tests

W–Ti–N sputtered coatings were tested in semi-industrial conditions by strip drawing to access their ability for sheet metal forming. Both laboratory and industrially developed coatings were tested. In a first part of the study the upscale of the deposition of the W–Ti–N coatings was achieved. The main difference between the two types of coatings was the evolution of the chemical composition with the N content. However, similar trends in the hardness and scratch-test results were encountered being the best compromise of these properties reached for ∼40 at.% N in the industrially deposited films against the 35 at.% N for laboratory deposited ones. Excellent results were found in the strip-drawing tests for coated samples in comparison with uncoated tools. In any of the conditions tested no adhesion between the tool and the sheet material was found when 1 g m−2 of lubricant was used. Similar results were found between laboratory and industrially deposited coatings.