Very Thin Film

• High-quality valves are critical to engine performance.the powerful engine image by kuhar from Fotolia.com
  
  Titanium nitride (TiN) is a compound that can be applied to a variety of valve metals, including conventional steel alloy valves, but also titanium valves. The extremely thin layer of TiN, typically 5 microns or less, is generally applied as a vapor. The coating gives the valve a golden color.
  
  

Increased Hardness

• Titanium nitride coatings are well-known in the tool-making industry to increase the surface hardness of metal objects, including automotive valves. The coating is also heat-resistant and may give the valve a lower coefficient of friction -- a more slippery surface.
  
  

Better Corrosion Resistance

• The thin coating also provides increased resistance to corrosion and valve galling, which is the formation of rough areas on the valve surface. Exhaust valves in particular may benefit from these properties.