In this paper, The multi-component TiAlN coatings were deposited on WC-6%Co carbide and high-speed steel (HSS) respectively using reactive direct current(D.C) magnetron sputtering technique by controlling N_2/ Ar flow ratio and substrate temperature. Based on this, XRD, LSCM, SEM, EDS, scratch tester and instrumented-indentation testing were used to? observe and analyze the microstructure, element distributing, the bonding force between coatings and substrate, indentation hardness of the coatings systematically.The results showed that properties of the TiAlN coatings are excellent, i.e. its micro-hardness is high and the adhesion strength between coatings and substrate are better. The cutting experiments were done in which the uncoated and coated cutting tools were used to turn steel workpieces.the cutting experiments results showed that the coated cutting tools have better wear-resisting than uncoated cutting tools, and the tool life is longer than that of uncoated cutting tool in cutting, the coated tools greatly improve the abrasion resistance of the tool and could be widely used in manufacturing.