How fast can we get our tools? Our typical lead-times are one to five working days. But if your need is urgent, we can usually turn your parts around in a day (actual lead-times depend on the size and quantity of parts, coating type and the amount of prep. work required). There is usually no extra charge for expedited service.

Is it cheaper to only coat a small area of the tool? No, it usually costs more to mask off areas of the tool. Since the entire tool is placed inside the vacuum chamber, the entire tool gets coated, except where it is held. Applying masks takes time and may add to the coating cost.

We position parts within the vacuum chamber to coat functional areas of the tool with the thickest coating. Non-functional areas of the part, or where the part is held, typically receive less coating, resulting in little change to tolerances.

What temperatures are used during the coating process? All of our coatings are applied at temperatures of about 750 - 800°F. Coatings can be applied at lower temperatures, but doing so may adversely affect coating quality.

If you have concerns about coating temperatures, we recommend making parts out of materials that have a 900°F, or higher, draw temperature.

Even if a part is already manufactured using a lower draw temperature, the part can still be coated, but we suggest you give us a call to discuss your application. (In punching and forming, we have found that even if a part is drawn back to 56 Rc (from 60 Rc) there is no degradation in performance.)