Aalberts surface technologies Lübeck

Another key application for thin films is increasing the conductivity and corrosion resistance of drive units in fuel cells and electrolysers. These “stacks” consist of several hundred individual bipolar plates with PTL/GDL nonwovens, which are exposed to extreme loads during operation.

As the preferred development and series partner of a leading German car manufacturer, we have made a decisive contribution to the development of this pioneering technology with our cerid® special layers.

Thanks to their ceramic hardness and low coating thickness of only a few µm, our wear-resistant carbide coatings are particularly suitable as finish coatings. Typical serial applications include valve train components in car engines, for example.

Our unique in-line technology makes us a preferred partner to both automobile manufacturers and suppliers. It enables us to manufacture large PVD series very economically and with maximum reproducible quality.

In the area of forming technology, cerid^® coatings prevent galling on tools and significantly increase service lives, particularly in the area of complex stainless steel forming.

In the area of forming technology, cerid^® coatings prevent galling on tools and significantly increase service lives, particularly in the area of complex stainless steel forming.

In the area of plastics processing (injection moulding / extrusion), cerid^® coatings are used as wear protection and as non-adhesive finishes to prevent adhesion.

We have developed special low-friction coatings which display extraordinary anti-adhesion properties and yet very high degrees of wear resistance. They are used, e.g. on calibration parts in PVC extrusion or on tools in the area of plastics processing.

Using a combination of electroplated coatings and PVD, practically pore-free corrosion-protective surfaces can be achieved on components and tools. These are used in the plastics industry, for example, when halogenated fillers are used as fire retardants (aerospace). With coating systems like these, practically gas-proof tool protective coatings can be achieved (PTFE extrusion).

With our various DLC coating variants, manufactured using both PVD and PACVD, friction coefficients of µ < 0.1 can be achieved towards steel. DLC coatings are often used as decorative non-scratch surface finishes (colour: anthracite).

In the medical technology sector and especially in the area of implantology, biocompatible coatings are attributed great significance. The success of the healing process following the insertion of implants into the biological system is decisively influenced by the biocompatibility of the implants themselves – particularly their surface finishes – as well as their durability, i.e. their long-term stability inside the body.

Working with institutes and experienced implantologists, Aalberts surface technologies has dedicated resources to these topics and developed biocompatible coatings which have proved their value in clinical applications for more than 20 years.