Cathodic arc plasma deposition in an atmosphere of ionised gases (N2 + C2H2) was used to deposit a PVD coating onto the surface of hot work tool steel after ammonia nitriding. In order to increase the adhesion, the steel surface was preshaped with a water jet containing 20 wt-%Al2O3 prior to PVD coating. The 10 μm thick PVD coat consisted of titanium and aluminium nitride–carbide grains of M(N, C) type. The application of a PVD coating onto the cores and surfaces of inputs of dies for pressure casting of Al–Si alloy castings had a positive effect on their durability.
