Optimized surfaces improve the function and extend the useful life of products. The result is increased process reliability and reduced maintenance. This also improve the quality of the product as well as its profitability. POLIGRAT processes achieve in a single operation the combination of several functional qualities.
Unwanted scaling can impair both function and product quality. It increases energy consumption, reduces performance and encourages corrosion.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Heat exchangers, heating elements, equipment and machines for the pharmaceutical, chemical, food and drinks industries
The quality of functional or decorative coatings which have been applied galvanically, chemically (CVD) or physically (PVD) is largely determined by the characteristics of the substrate.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Galvanized, hard chrome-plated or chemically nickel-plated machine parts, electrical contacts, cutting tools.
The compatibility and neutrality of metal surfaces with regard to tissue and cells are an essential requirement for the safe use of implants and biochemical processes.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Medical implants of all kinds, heart-lung machines, biochemical reactors and process plants
The fracture and failure of dynamically loaded parts is frequently a result of material fatigue. Over 90% of such fatigue fractures start on the surface. The most common causes are micro-cracks, internal stresses, structural failure and sharp-edged microstructures.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Springs of all shapes and sizes, drive shafts and axles, turbine blades, surgical implants.
The undesirable emission of electrons under high tension or strong electromagnetic fields as well as the absorption and emission of electromagnetic radiation (thermal radiation) reduce quality and performance.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
High-tension components (X-ray tubes), high-performance electromagnets, thermal radiation shields (satellites), cryoengineering (low-temperature engineering).
The conduction of high-frequency current takes place only over the thin surface layer of the conductor. Any defect within this layer such as micro-cracks, inclusions or structural failure will reduce the conductivity.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
High-frequency technology, research and diagnostic installations.
Corrosion occurs in a wide range of situations for a wide variety of reasons. It is usually an electrochemical process which requires moisture in the form of electrolytes and electric potential from local elements or external power. Passivated materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, titanium or zircon are protected by a resistant oxide layer (passive layer) on their surface against corrosion.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Processing plants for the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and drinks industries, processing plants for machinery and apparatus construction, medical instruments and implants, vehicle construction, architecture, mounting elements, sanitary engineering, domestic and kitchen appliances
Mechanical and thermal processing lead to contamination of the materials surface layer through tool friction, lubricants and coolants, oxides, buffing and polishing materials and the inclusion of gases.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Medical technology, semiconductor technology, clean room creation, pharmaceutical industry, fine chemistry.
Passive surfaces are corrosion-resistant, do not have a catalytic effect and do not react with their environment. Chemical reactions take place homogenously and without interruption with optimal product quality; allergic reactions can be avoided.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Installations for plastics, food and drinks manufacture, surgical implants
Reflections and emissions behaviour towards light and thermal radiation are determined by the degree of electrical conductivity and the metallic purity and smoothness of the surface.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Thermal solar panels, light reflectors, high and low temperature insulation.
Friction and wear shorten the lifespan, increase energy consumption and cause breakdowns in manufacturing processes and during operation.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Friction bearings, textile machines, drawing tools, sealing gaskets.
Cleanability and sterilizability of surfaces are important requirements for applicability. They depend less on the roughness of the surface than on the enegetic and chemical state of the top layer of material.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Plants for the pharmaceutical, chemical and food and drinks industry, façades, automobile parts, medical equipment, kitchen appliances, sanitary articles.
Pumping times required to reach a vacuum and to stabilize that vacuum are largely determined by the quality of the surface. The “degasing rate” is the determining factor as a key figure as to how much gas is emitted from a surface per unit of time. Over 90% of gases are bonded to the surface in a material layer which is approx. 30µm thick. The degasing is also dependent on the absolute size of the surface.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
Equipment for research institutes, electronic conduits.
Optimal soldering and welding joins require surfaces which are metallically pure and with homogenius edges.
Added value through POLIGRAT processes
Typical applications
High-temperature, vacuum and hard soldering, electron beam and laser welding.
In design, the trend is moving towards real values.
Depending on the process, burrs, flaking and particles on edges and surfaces can occur during production.