Acme United Corporation
Coating For Cutting Implement

Abstract:

A cutting implement including a metal substrate and a coating is provided. The coating has zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO), which provides protection against corrosion of the metal substrate. In some instances, the zirconium PVD provides protection from corrosion for at least 200 hours. A layer of titanium nitride (TiN) can be added to the coating to increase the hardness of the metal substrate. In such an embodiment, the layer of titanium nitride (TiN) is applied before the zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO). Titanium nitride (TiN) coated steel is 3 to 5 times harder than uncoated steel. Thus, a combination of titanium nitride (TiN) and zirconium PVD (ZrCRTiNO) as a coating on a metal substrate can increase the life of the metal substrate by providing increased hardness and anti-corrosive properties.