CemeCon Installs Its 500th HiPIMS Coating System

The Portuguese cutting tool manufacturer Palbit took delivery of its fifth coating system from CemeCon in June 2026. The new CC800 HiPIMS is also the 500th coating system commissioned by CemeCon worldwide. Palbit and the coating specialist have been working together for more than 20 years. Palbit relies on a high degree of vertical integration in the manufacture of its cutting tools. From powder production to tool bodies and holders to the final coating, the key production steps are carried out in-house. As early as 2016, the company invested in its first in-house CC800 HiPIMS turnkey system and has been continuously expanding its coating center ever since. In addition to CemeCon’s coating formulations, Palbit’s in-house R&D department develops and optimizes coatings for specific cemented carbides and applications.

HiPIMS Coatings for Cutting Tools

Palbit’s tool portfolio includes applications for milling, turning, drilling, threading, as well as grooving and parting off. The various machining tasks require corresponding coating specifications. With HiPIMS technology, coatings can be specifically tailored to tool geometries, cemented carbide grades, and operating conditions. According to CemeCon, HiPIMS can now achieve coating thicknesses of up to 12 micrometers. This technology thus enables Palbit to perform both mass production coating of indexable inserts and shank tools as well as to provide customer-specific solutions. During periods of peak capacity utilization—for example, during the installation of a new system—the company also relies on CemeCon’s coating services. With this fifth system, Palbit is expanding its capacity in light of its international expansion. A current focus is on expanding its presence in the U.S. market for machining technology.