This study focuses on testing the suitability of several particle reinforced metallic coatings for protecting the rollers of cold rolling mills. The experimental work is carried out using two-disc model configuration. We evaluated the performance of the coatings on the basis of the damage of the contact surfaces as well as on the
test load which could be endured without damage. The tribosystems show two main failure modes, a) failure due to the wear of the coating or b) failure due to the plastic softening underneath the steel counterpart, which are linked to the structure and hardness of the coatings.