NAME Laboratory and pilot plant for surface finishing by electrochemical technologies

DESCRIPTION

Fully equipped laboratory for (electro)chemical processes with electrochemical cells of different volumes (up to 10 L), Hull cells, potentiostat-galvanostats, direct and pulse current rectifiers, dip-coating, spray-coating, glove box, thermostatic baths, controlled atmosphere sintering furnaces, ICP, IC, Z potential and TOC, among other equipment. Semi-industrial pilot plant for (electro) chemical surface finishing that consists of: • Tanks up to 250 L capacity with several heaters, cooling coil, mechanical agitation, air agitation, the possibility to place counter-electrodes in different positions, level probe, lid and suction hood. • DC and pulse rectifiers capable of applying a wide a range of voltage/current. • Electrochemical simulation and modelling software (COMSOL Multiphysics) that allows understanding, optimizing, and controlling electrodeposition processes. • Planned to acquire a monitoring and control software for the electrochemical pilot plant that facilitates the connectivity of the plant with a MES (Manufacturing Execution System) from which the manufacturing plant of the components as a whole will be managed. Moreover, surface characterization laboratory that allows the analysis of the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of coatings (roughness, morphology, microstructure, thermography, corrosion, wear, tribocorrosion, hardness, wettability, brightness, colour, etc.).

FIELDS OF APPLICATION

Advanced unions

Coatings and Surfaces solutions

Design and development of materials

Manufacturing processes

Materials and processes in Circular Economy

MOST OUTSTANDING EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS

  • DC and pulse rectifiers, potentiostat-galvanostats

    DC and pulse rectifiers capable of applying a wide a range of voltage/current. Several potentiostat-galvanostats. Currently at CIDETEC, acquired at different times

  • Electrochemical simulation and modelling software (COMSOL Multiphysics)

    Electrochemical simulation and modelling software (COMSOL Multiphysics) that allows understanding, optimizing, and controlling electrodeposition processes. Year of acquisition: 2018

  • Electrochemical tank adapted (e-coating system)

    Electrochemical tank adapted (e-coating system) in pilot plant, sources of high-voltage current. Year of acquisition: 2018

  • Electrolytic tanks

    Electrolytic tanks up to 250 L of capacity with two heaters, cooling coil, mechanical agitation system, air agitation system, the possibility to place counter-electrodes in different positions, level probe, lid and suction hood. Year of acquisition: 2012

  • Equipment for electrolyte control and regeneration systems

    Equipment for electrolyte control and regeneration systems (ICP, ion chromatography, automatic titrators, microfiltration equipment ... etc.). Currently at CIDETEC, acquired at different times.

SERVICES OFFERED BY THE ASSET

Anodizing, electropolishing and surface functionalizing

• Development and optimization of electrolytes for anodizing and electropolishing processes with required properties (protection, conductivity, hydrophobicity…). • Obtaining of desired surfaces and on different flat and 3D shaped metallic substrates. - Customer type: parts manufacturers, product developers. - Sectors: aerospace, automotive, machine tool, energy…

Development and application of metallic, ceramic and composite coatings by electrochemical processes

• Development and optimization of electrolytes for metallic, ceramic and composite coatings with required properties (protection, conductivity, hydrophobicity…). • Ceramic coatings applied using electrophoretic deposition technique. Functional ceramic coatings using electrophoretic deposition technique oriented to biomedical applications (dental prostheses, intervertebral segments), environmental including: photocatalysis, photoconversion, membranes, easy cleaning, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties as well as anticorrosive coatings. • Obtaining of coatings on different flat and 3D shaped substrates (metallic, plastic, ceramic). - Customer type: parts manufacturers, product developers. - Sectors: aerospace, automotive, machine tool, energy, biomedical applications, environmental,…

ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET

ENTITY MANAGING THE ASSET
CIDETEC
Contact person:
Patricia López Ruiz
plopez@cidetec.es