Innovative method of properties determination for tools covered with PVD coatings using computer simulation

Purpose: The goal of this work is to determine residual stresses of coats obtained in PVD process with the use of finite elements method and comparative analysis with results obtained by laboratory investigations. Design/methodology/approach: Article introduces the usage of finite elements method for simulation of stresses measurement process in TiN Ti(C,N) and TiC coats obtained in magnetron PVD process on high-speed steel PM HS6-5-3-8. Modelling of stresses was performed with the help of finite element method in MARC environment, and the experimental values of stresses were determined basing on the sin2ψ. Findings: The presented model meets the initial criteria, which gives ground to the assumption about its usability for determining the stresses in coatings, employing the finite element method using the MARC program. The computer simulation results correlate with the experimental results. Research limitations/implications: To evaluate with more detail the possibility of applying these coatings in tools, further computer simulation should be concentrated on the determination of other properties of the coatings for example- microhardness. Originality/value: From results of the simulation based on the finite element method is possible to compute the mechanical properties of coatings obtained in PVD process.