This article provides a review of the modelling done in the case of coatings used in mechanical applications, like protective metallurgical coatings having properties of high hardness and wear and abrasion resistance. It discusses the models established during the atomic layer-wise film deposition, as well as static indentation and scratch-based mechanical property determination. Finite element modelling to study the stress distribution, cantilever N/MEMS and magnetic coatings subjected to ion beam irradiation (using SRIM) has also been discussed. The discussions presented are beneficial for the determination of fracture toughness and the use of coatings in sensing devices.