Behavior of M2 steel with CrN/TiN thin films by cathodic arc PVD method

The objective of this project is to obtain results on the films generated on M2 highspeed steel substrates, used in cutting applications and wear resistance. These samples were coated with CrN as the base layer and TiN as the film, using the PVD cathodic arc method. The project was carried out in collaboration with SADOSA S.A. de C.V., a company specialized in industrial coatings for high-speed cutting tools.The methodology included microstructural characterization through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and composition analysis (SEM-EDS), along with topographical analysis using optical profilometry. The film thickness was determined using the calotest method, and tribological analysis was conducted with the pin-on-disk technique, obtaining wear tracks, volume loss, and specific wear rate according to ASTM G99 standards. The adhesion of the films was also evaluated using VDI 3198 standards to assess the adhesion quality of the samples. Finally, the data were collected for the analysis of the obtained results.