Palbit has been using Cemecon coating technology for indexable inserts and shank tools for more than 20 years. In June 2026, another CC800 HiPIMS system, including peripheral equipment, was added at the company’s Portuguese facility. Since installing its first in-house CC800 HiPIMS turnkey system in 2016, Palbit has continuously expanded its internal coating capabilities.
The tool manufacturer Palbit handles a large portion of the value chain itself: from powder production to tool bodies and holders, all the way to the final coating. In addition to coating formulations from the CemeCon portfolio, Palbit’s in-house R&D department develops customizations for specific hard metals and applications. “Our collaboration with CemeCon is a key pillar of our tools’ performance and success,” says Jorge Ferreira, CEO of Palbit. The coating process is managed as a separate manufacturing step and as part of the tool manufacturer’s in-house technological expertise.
HiPIMS enables layer thicknesses of up to 12 micrometers
Palbit manufactures tools for milling, turning, drilling, threading, and grooving and parting off. The requirements for the coatings vary accordingly. With HiPIMS systems, coating systems can be adapted to tool geometry, cemented carbide, and machining applications.
For AlTiN coatings, HiPIMS technology enables layer thicknesses of up to 12 µm. Using PVD processes employed in the past, Cemecon was already able to apply AlTiN to cutting tools in layer thicknesses of up to 6 µm. At Palbit, the new system particularly expands the company’s in-house coating capacity.
Palbit Continues to Expand In-House Coating Capabilities
In addition to the equipment, Palbit utilizes consulting, service, and coating services from Cemecon. During periods of peak capacity, the external coating service can handle additional orders. The installation also coincides with the 40th anniversary of Cemecon’s founding.