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Replikote™
The newest process in PVD techonlogy, capable of coating large mirror surfaces by creating a defect-free film.
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In 1994, Richter Precision Inc. introduced our Replikote™ PVD coating process. The Replikote™ process was the culmination of a vigorous engineering effort to create an improved alternative to traditional chrome and electro-less nickel plating processes for plastic injection molding components.

Replikote™ is a process designed specifically for coating highly polished mold surfaces such as ones used for optics, lenses, reflectors, etc. Replikote™ allows the deposition of hard, thin-film, PVD coatings onto surfaces with optical quality polishes. Our Replikote™ coatings do not diminish the optical qualities of mold finishes, they replicate them. These coatings are thinner, harder, denser, and more lubricious than other plating processes.

.>> Replikote™ provides:

The homogeneity of the coating deposited through our Replikote™ process provides superior density when compared to current chrome and nickel plating processes. In addition, Replikote™ eliminates the microcracking and porosity levels, that are inherent to these standard plating processes.

With Replikote™ you will see improvements in part release, material flow and abrasion resistance, that will translate into more effective part production. Furthermore, our Replikote™ coatings will eliminate much of the daily and periodic cleanings, required for some production: the decrease in downtime for maintenance equals increased uptime for production. These benefits mean a lower cost-per-part and increased profit margins.

Our Replikote™ process is available in the following coatings:

	Replikote™ C	This optical quality Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating provides excellent abrasion resistance & lubricity, and is the first choice for most molding applications. Hardness: 2400 HV / Coefficient of Friction: 0.35
	Replikote™ C3	This optical quality Chromium Nitride/ Chromium Carbide (CrN/CrC) coating protects against corrosive gases generated during some molding applications. Hardness: 2100 HV / Coefficient of Friction: 0.35
	Replikote™ C5	This optical quality Titanium Carbonitride (TiCN) coating provides increased abrasion resistance beyond TiN coating, and works well in many slide applications. Hardness: 3200 HV / Coefficient of Friction: 0.35
	Replikote™ C11	This optical quality Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating provides the highest hardness and lowest coefficient of friction of all Replikote™ coatings. Hardness: 4200 HV / Coefficient of Friction: 0.10

Our Replikote™ PVD coating process is vastly superior to other PVD coating processes. Special filtering processes are used to eliminate the macro-particles that are formed through traditional PVD processes. Please note the AFM images below:The homogeneity of the coating deposited through our Replikote™ process provides superior density when compared to current chrome and nickel plating processes. In addition, Replikote™ eliminates the micro-cracking and porosity levels that are inherent to these other plating processes.

This 25 x 25 µm AFM image clearly shows the types of macro particles and inclusions that are created through a standard PVD TiN process. Even these small defects would impede the operation of plastic injection mold.	This 25 x 25 µm AFM image of our Replikote™ C TiN coating is typical: the macro particles have been “filtered” to create a coating free of defects and suitable for any molding application, especially highly polished molds.

Many of the steels used by the injection molding industry such as P20, 4140, as well as H13, 17-4, and 15-5 have the benefits of being fairly easy to machine, easy to polish, and having a good resistance to fractures. However, these materials are all limited in their coefficient of friction and their resistance to abrasion. These limitations require some sort of surface treatment in order to achieve optimal performance and life: this is where the benefits of Replikote™ truly shine.

With Replikote™, you will see improvements in part release, material flow, and abrasion resistance that will translate into more effective part production. Furthermore, our Replikote™ coatings will eliminate much of the daily and periodic cleanings required for some production: this increased up-time equals increased production. These benefits mean a lower cost-per-part and increased profit margins.

Ask your Richter Precision Inc. representative which of our Replikote™ coatings is best for your application.