Tool Coatings for End Mills: nACo, AlTiN and DLC Compared
By Calvin Wu, Owner · Reviewed by Jacky Wrong · Last updated 2026-10-28
Match the coating to the material: AlTiN-type and nanocomposite coatings such as nACo are used for steels and harder materials because they resist heat, while DLC and polished uncoated tools are common for aluminium and other non-ferrous materials.
Key takeaways
- Coating choice depends on workpiece material and cutting conditions.
- Aluminium-containing coatings such as AlTiN are often avoided on aluminium workpieces because aluminium tends to stick to them.
- Always rely on the supplier's data for hardness, thickness and temperature limits.
What does a coating do?
A thin hard layer on the carbide that resists wear and heat and can reduce friction.
Coatings do not fix a wrong geometry or an unstable setup; they extend life when the cutting conditions are otherwise right.
How do nACo, AlTiN and DLC compare?
They target different materials and conditions.
Hardness, thickness and temperature figures are deliberately not listed here until we have measurement reports or supplier data.
| Coating | General role | Typical workpieces |
|---|---|---|
| AlTiN | Heat-resistant coating for demanding cuts | Steels, stainless |
| nACo (nanocomposite) | Nanocomposite coating developed for hard and demanding machining; applied in-house on PLATIT PL80 | Steels and harder materials |
| DLC | Low-friction carbon coating | Aluminium and non-ferrous |
| Uncoated / polished | Sharp edge, smooth flutes | Aluminium, plastics |
What coatings do you offer?
We coat in-house with nACo Plus on a PLATIT PL80 unit, and offer additional coating types through partner coating facilities.
FAQ
Should I coat a tool for aluminium?
Often an uncoated or specially coated, polished tool is used.