Harvey Alpha Series: What is TiN (Titanium Nitride)? What are the benefits?

Created by Gabriel Izzo, Modified on Wed, 27 May at 4:28 PM by Gabriel Izzo

Harvey Alpha Series · Table Surface Coatings

What is TiN (Titanium Nitride)? What are the Benefits?

What is TiN (Titanium Nitride)?

TiN (Titanium Nitride) is a hard ceramic material applied as a coating to metal surfaces to improve their physical properties. On Harvey Alpha Series table saws, TiN coating is applied to the cast iron table surface to harden it and make it significantly more resistant to oxidization and rust.

Cast iron is a naturally soft and porous material, which makes it prone to rusting or oxidizing without regular maintenance. TiN fills those pores and creates a hard, protective barrier on the surface.

Benefits of TiN Coating

Hardened surface — resists scratches and gouges better than plain cast iron

Rust and oxidization resistance — significantly reduces the likelihood of surface rust forming

Reduced friction — the coated surface is smoother than bare cast iron, improving workpiece movement across the table

Distinctive gold appearance — the TiN coating gives the table a visually appealing gold tone, making the saw stand out from standard cast iron tables

Especially beneficial in humid environments — shops without climate control, locations with higher moisture in the air, or areas near bodies of water will benefit most from the added corrosion protection

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the TiN coating last?

The lifespan of the coating depends on usage and care for the table top. Avoiding deep scratches or gouging the surface and using appropriate cleaning and maintenance products will help preserve the coating long-term. Note that the TiN layer is approximately 3–5 microns thick — a PVD coating — so physical abrasion can wear it over time.

What is the difference between TiN and the plain finish (P) version?

There are no functional differences between the two versions of the same saw model beyond the table surface finish. For example, the HW110S-36 has a TiN-coated table and the HW110S-36P has an uncoated plain cast iron table — the "P" designates plain finish. All other specifications are identical.

Is TiN available on Ambassador Series machines?

No — TiN coating is available on Alpha Series machines only. Ambassador Series models use plain uncoated cast iron tables.

Care tip for TiN-coated tables

Because TiN fills the pores of the cast iron, wax products tend not to adhere as well to TiN-coated surfaces as they do to plain cast iron. For added rust prevention on TiN tables, WD-40 or the Carbon Method are more effective options.

Alpha Series PRO Models — Nickel Coating Upgrade

The latest Alpha Series PRO models feature an upgraded nickel coating in place of TiN, offering enhanced durability and corrosion resistance. Nickel coating is applied not only to the cast iron table tops but also to the trunnion assemblies. On PRO bandsaw models, the flywheels are also nickel-coated, providing long-term protection and a smoother surface finish.

For questions about table coatings or model selection, please contact our sales team.