KYOCERA Hardcoating Technologies
KYOCERA Hardcoating Technologies
Modern vehicles are under more pressure than ever to deliver efficiency, reliability, and extended service life. All of this must be achieved while complying with strict emissions and environmental regulations. To meet these growing demands, automakers and tiered suppliers are increasingly turning to advanced surface engineering technologies. One of the most impactful among them is PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating.
From high-friction engine components to decorative trim, PVD coatings are helping the automotive industry enhance durability, reduce friction, and replace legacy materials that pose environmental risks. Here’s how this thin-film technology is driving performance improvements across the vehicle, inside and out.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a vacuum-based process that transforms solid materials like titanium, chromium, or zirconium into vapor. That vapor is then condensed as a thin, dense film on the surface of a part. While most PVD coatings are only 1–5 microns thick, they dramatically improve surface properties like hardness, friction, and thermal stability.
In the automotive sector, these coatings are applied to:
Engine and powertrain components
Fuel system parts
Suspension and driveline elements
Exterior and interior trim
Kyocera’s automotive-grade coatings include:
HTN TiN Gold Coating: Durable and wear-resistant with a recognizable gold color
HTA AlTiN Black: Excellent for high-temperature performance and oxidation resistance
HTC TiCN Rose: Tough with low friction, ideal for sliding contacts
HTY AlTiN Purple Black: Aesthetically bold and functionally tough
The internal combustion engine is a highly dynamic environment. Parts like piston pins, valve lifters, and tappets operate under high contact loads with minimal lubrication. PVD coatings such as HTA and HTC reduce friction at these interfaces, cutting parasitic losses and improving fuel economy.
For example:
HTC TiCN Rose on piston pins helps reduce scuffing and friction, especially in start-stop driving.
HTY AlTiN Purple Black on cam followers can handle high Hertzian contact stress with minimal wear.
By reducing metal-on-metal contact, these coatings improve energy efficiency and reduce wear-induced breakdowns.
PVD coatings are extremely hard, often exceeding 2000 HV. That means parts subject to high mechanical stress can withstand longer operating cycles without visible degradation. Examples include:
PVD-coated valve train components: Survive extended lifetimes under high-frequency oscillation and impact loads.
Timing chain guides and fuel injector plungers: Coated to prevent abrasion and extend functional life.
HTN TiN Gold Coating, with its proven hardness and stability, is a reliable solution for sliding and reciprocating applications where edge retention is critical.
Under-the-hood components face elevated temperatures that can exceed 200°C during extended use. PVD coatings like HTA AlTiN Black are engineered to retain hardness and integrity at these elevated temperatures. They resist softening and oxidation.
This makes them ideal for:
Turbocharger shafts
Exhaust-side valve components
Direct injection system parts
Because these coatings resist oxidation and maintain their mechanical properties at heat, they contribute to vehicle longevity even under aggressive duty cycles.
Fuel systems must operate with tight tolerances and minimal friction, especially as fuel compositions change and emissions requirements increase. PVD coatings enhance wear surfaces on:
Injector needles
High-pressure pump pistons
Sliding seals and valve seats
HTC TiCN Rose and DLC-based coatings have been applied to these components for years. They reduce leakage, maintain precision, and survive ethanol-rich fuel blends.
PVD isn’t just functional. It also plays a growing role in automotive aesthetics. Chrome-like PVD finishes and designer colors (gold, black, bronze, etc.) are used on:
Exterior trim (badges, moldings, grille components)
Interior touchpoints (knobs, handles, control rings)
Wheels and center caps
Kyocera’s PVD coatings offer vibrant, metallic finishes that outperform traditional plating in both durability and environmental impact. They resist scratching, fading, and tarnishing while eliminating hazardous processes like hexavalent chrome plating.
Hard chrome plating, once common for piston rings, valve stems, and trim, is under growing scrutiny due to its environmental and health risks. Hexavalent chromium is carcinogenic. As a result, regulators, especially in the EU and California, are phasing it out.
PVD coatings offer a cleaner, high-performance alternative:
No toxic chemical baths or hazardous waste
Dry vacuum deposition with recyclable raw materials
Better adhesion and longevity than many plated finishes
As automakers adopt cleaner manufacturing practices, PVD has become a preferred replacement in both mechanical and decorative applications.
| Component | Coating Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Piston pins | HTC TiCN or DLC | Reduce scuffing, minimize friction |
| Tappets and valve lifters | HTA AlTiN or HTY AlTiN | Withstand impact, lower wear |
| Injector needles | HTC TiCN or DLC | Maintain sealing, reduce wear |
| Turbocharger shafts | HTA AlTiN Black | Survive high heat and rotational stress |
| Exterior trim & emblems | HTN TiN, HTY, or chrome-like PVD | Improve scratch resistance, enhance aesthetics |
| Wheel inserts & center caps | Color PVD (gold, black, bronze) | Durable styling finish |
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To ensure consistent performance and compatibility, automotive OEMs and suppliers should seek out coating partners who offer:
Automotive industry experience and technical support
Proven coating lifespans through bench and real-world testing
Batch traceability, coating documentation, and material certifications
Clean processing and careful masking for dimensional parts
Custom solutions for hybrid and electric vehicle drivetrain needs
A reliable partner will not only apply coatings but also collaborate on part design, coating selection, and qualification testing to ensure optimal results.
PVD coatings are no longer a niche technology in automotive. They are a driving force in the evolution of parts that must last longer, perform better, and meet stricter environmental standards. From high-performance engine components to visible trim, PVD coatings offer the durability, precision, and versatility the modern vehicle demands.
With rising pressure to reduce emissions, eliminate hazardous chemicals, and extend product life, manufacturers are turning to smarter surface engineering. PVD coatings are leading the way.
Explore our full range of automotive-grade PVD coatings or connect with a specialist to request technical data, test reports, or a quote.
Q:What is PVD coating used for in the automotive industry?
A:Â PVD coatings are used to improve the wear resistance, hardness, and friction performance of automotive parts. Common applications include engine components, fuel system parts, valve train elements, and decorative trim.
Q: Is PVD better than chrome plating for car parts?
A:Â Yes. PVD is more durable, environmentally friendly, and resistant to wear than traditional chrome plating. It also eliminates hazardous chemicals like hexavalent chromium and supports sustainability goals.
Q: How long does a PVD coating last on automotive components?
A:Â PVD coatings can extend the lifespan of parts by 2 to 5 times, depending on load and use conditions. They offer excellent resistance to abrasion, heat, and friction in high-performance environments.
Q: What car parts can be coated with PVD?
A:Â Typical parts include piston pins, tappets, valve lifters, injector needles, turbocharger shafts, fuel pump components, wheels, emblems, and interior trim. Both mechanical and aesthetic parts benefit from PVD coatings.
Q: Are PVD coatings safe for high-heat automotive applications?
A:Â Absolutely. Advanced coatings like AlTiN or CrN maintain their hardness and structure at elevated temperatures, making them ideal for turbochargers, exhaust-side components, and high-RPM applications.
Q: Can PVD coatings be applied to aluminum engine parts?
A:Â Yes, if the surface is properly prepared. PVD coatings enhance aluminum’s wear resistance, making it more viable for lightweight engine and EV components.
Q: Is PVD coating good for electric vehicle (EV) parts?
A:Â Yes. EVs benefit from PVD on components like motor shafts, gears, and drive units where low friction, high wear resistance, and compact design are critical.
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UNITED STATES
KYOCERA Hardcoating Technologies
220 Marc Drive
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223
USA
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KYOCERA Hardcoating Technologies – Europe
11 Ashville Way, Wokingham,
Berkshire RG41 2PL
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