The paper reports the application of plasma chemical vapour deposition (PCV
D) of TiN to high speed steel precision bearings, The surface metallurgical
characteristics of the coatings were determined by employing surface and s
tructural analytical techniques, i,e, scanning electron microscopy, Auger e
lectron spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The layer adhes
ion of the coatings was evaluated by means of the scratch test. Experiments
on oxidation and thermal shock resistance were also carried out. Tl;e resu
lts demonstrated good adhesion between TiN coating and high speed steel sub
strate. Test results showed that using PCVD, uniform coatings can be achiev
ed having good oxidation resistance in air and good thermal shock resistanc
e between 580 degreesC and room temperature, The tests showed that bearings
coated with PCVD TiN worked normally and satisfied the working conditions.