Titanium-based nitride physical vapour deposition (PVD) coatings, such as titanium nitride (TiN), are state-of-the-art solutions for surface modifications of CoCrMo-based implants for patients who are hypersensitive to metallic ions such as cobalt, chromium and nickel. Variations of the process parameters during the cathodic arc evaporation are known to exhibit an impact on the surface properties of coatings. The aim of this study was to characterise the effect of the substrate bias and the nitrogen pressure on the surface properties of TiNbN coatings deposited on CoCrMo alloys in a limited parameter set. Eighteen parameter sets were coated with TiNbN. The substrate bias (−100 to −200 V) and the nitrogen pressure (0.3–3.0 Pa) were selected following a randomised, multifactorial response surface test design. The coating thickness, roughness, hardness and scratch resistance were measured following standardised procedures. The structure of the coating was analysed by SEM and XRD. The substrate bias and the pressure exhibited a significant impact on the coating thickness and the surface roughness. The grain growth was predominantly impacted by the bias. The parameter variation did not show any significant impact on the XRD, hardness or scratch test results.

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Novice product designers are often insufficiently trained for sustainability-related challenges in engineering practice as sustainability or eco-design have not yet become standard topics in engineering curricula at German universities. The authors developed a course for engineering students to familiarise them with a sustainable way of thinking and train skills required to develop more sustainable solutions. This paper provides details on the concept's structure, content, and methods. The course is part of the Bachelor's and Master's programmes in Mechanical, Biomedical and Industrial Engineering. In order to understand the importance of the topic, students get an introduction to sustainability in general through diverse methodological approaches. Subsequently, they learn and apply relevant basic methods from the field of product development and material selection. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the synergy between university engineering education, science and industry through excursions and guest lectures. Evaluations assess students' learning outcomes, thus enabling the continuous adjustment of addressed content and applied methods.