The dozen contributors to this volume, all of them well-known, leading experts, provide a must-have resource for fabrication, characterization, and applications in the field of hard coatings and wear-resistant surfaces. 'Handbook of Hard Coatings' offers a complete explanation of commercially oriented deposition technology, from traditional vacuum-based thin-film techniques such as evaporation, sputter deposition, and chemical vapor deposition, to various thermal spraying methods. Readers also get the detailed technical introduction to the science of characterizing and measuring hard coatings - showing the physical properties of these films and composites as well as the underlying structure of the material. Two chapters explore techniques used to evaluate hardness, adhesion, friction, wear and stress, as well as key tribological properties. At the heart of 'Handbook of Hard Coatings,' an extensive practical applications section describes a wide range of conventional nitride or metal oxide coatings for both cutting tools and for non-cutting uses. In addition, a chapter on cubic boron nitride and diamond-like films provides a look at the rapidly evolving technology of materials and processes that are considered non-conventional. Key Features: Chapters are written by leading scientists, researchers, and technologists in the field, bringing the most up-to-date perspectives to their contributions; The book covers the actual materials used as well as how the materials are applied in industry, including descriptions of equipment; Helps readers evaluate hardness, adhesion, friction, wear and stress of the coatings; Includes an analysis of future developments in the technology and non-conventional materials and processes that help readers keep up with coming changes in the field. CONTENTS: Vapor Deposition Technologies; Thermal Spraying and Detonation Gun Processes; Structure/Property Relationships for Hard Coatings; Characterization of Hard Coatings; Macro- and Micromechanical and Tribological Properties; Applications of Cutting Tools; Wear and Corrosion Resistant Hard Coatings for Non-Cutting Tool Applications; Cubic Boron Nitride and Diamond-Related Thin Films; Summary, Developments and Outlook.