Titanium nitride (TiN) coatings were produced on AISI 420 stainless steel by DC magnetron sputtering of a Ti target changing the processing variables, such as the flow rate of $N_2/Ar$, substrate temperature and the existence of Ti interlayer between TiN coatings and substrates. The hardness and residual stress in the films were investigated using nanoindentation and a laser scanning device, respectively. The stoichiometry and surface morphology were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction and SEM. The corrosion property of the films was also studied using a polarization method in NaCl (0.9%) solution. Mechanical properties including hardness and residual stress were related to the ratio of $N_2/Ar$ flow rate. The corrosion resistance also was related to the processing variables.