Monitoring and optimising surface treatment in electroplating

The right way to immerse items!

In order to attain a desired surface quality before taking further steps, such as painting, raw products are treated with various chemicals. Networked sensors, controllers and pumps monitor and optimise the electroplating processes this requires and users can view them at any time using the convenience of a digital application.

Surface treatment of goods is an important production step for chemicals distributors. In order to be able to post-treat raw products in industrial environments, in order to paint them for example, they have to achieve a certain surface quality. For this, they pass through a series of immersion baths. They are immersed in various chemicals and thereby degreased, pickled or treated in some other way. The specific post-treatment can then be undertaken.

Certain parameters, such as conductivity, temperature and pH, are of relevance to the desired surface quality. These process parameters are constantly monitored and optimised using precise sensors for pH, temperature and conductivity. The data is forwarded to the networked controllers, which instantly activate the pumps to meter the required chemicals. This is a continuous process, which delivers the best possible results for surface coating.

Alongside pure chemicals, chemicals distributors also offer application-specific knowledge and advice on processing. They advise their customers on the applied chemicals in the respective processes and offer monitoring and optimisation – equipment and advice on processing from one source. ProMinent supports its customers with digital solutions that make this possible. The smart complete solution DULCONNEX networks all the components in the process. This allows users to view all key data and measured values at any time and to monitor the status of their system in real time. They can establish remotely whether the process parameters are right or not. Lab results can also be shared via the platform. Deviations in the process trigger an alarm in good time, so there are no production downtimes. This improves process reliability and system efficiency. What’s more, automated compliance reports efficiently satisfy regulatory documentation obligations.

The networked interplay of components pays off, especially when modernising older electroplating facilities or replacing manual processes: improved process efficiency, optimised use of chemicals and better process quality and reliability overall.