The Tin Coating Advantage
Among the various coating options for industrial blades available, tin (Sn) coatings have emerged as a popular choice, particularly for tungsten carbide blades used in plotter and cutter machines.
Typically, we apply a coating thickness of around 2 microns (μ) to these blades. While the added thickness may slightly compromise the initial sharpness of the blade, this effect is often short-lived. As the blade is used, the tin layer gradually wears down, resulting in a sharper cutting edge and a corresponding reduction in the cutting force required.
When utilizing tin-coated tungsten carbide blades in plotter and cutter machines, we have observed a significant increase in their lifespan, with a minimum extension of 30% (up to 10 x) compared to non-coated blades. This extended lifespan translates to substantial cost savings, as the average price of a tungsten carbide blade is typically increased by only around 10% (ballpark figure tin coating vs tungsten carbide plotter blade) due to the tin coating process.
The real advantage, however, lies in the reduced machine downtime. By extending the lifespan of the cutting blades, operators can enjoy more consistent and reliable performance, minimizing the need for frequent blade replacements and the associated disruptions to production.