In a joint research project, the Research Institute for Precious Metals and Metal Chemistry (fem) and measurement technology specialist Helmut Fischer GmbH are optimizing electrolyte testing and embedding it in the production process of a smart factory.
In the project funded by the Helmut Fischer Foundation, fem is investigating the concentration distribution of electrolytes in galvanic coating baths. The project uses the Fischerscope Xan Liquid Analyzer developed by Fischer, an inline measuring device that enables real-time analysis and direct data transfer. The device for in-situ and online analysis of element concentrations arrived at fem in Schwäbisch Gmünd on August 19. It is also suitable for monitoring dynamics in the concentration distribution.
The first application will be a copper-tin-zinc electrolyte (Miralloy) from Umicore, a nickel-free alternative for connectors, costume jewelry and clothing. The measurement results are to be automated and transmitted to the fem's control system. Using the measurement data obtained as a function of time, correlated with the geometrically different parts and compared with coating thickness measurements, the coating process should be better understood and thus be even more resource-efficient, sustainable and cost-optimized in the future.
