Surface technology comprises a wide range of industrial processes used to deliberately modify the properties of metallic materials. The objective is to design surfaces that are functional, durable and optimized for their specific application – for example with regard to corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, appearance or hygienic properties. Typical processes in this field include pickling, electropolishing and electroplating.
KUSTAN develops, constructs and implements customized turnkey process solutions for surface technology. Our focus is on a holistic view of the entire process. In addition to the process equipment, we consider aspects such as occupational safety and emission reduction, safe storage and handling of acids, alkalis and electrolytes, heat and energy balances, wastewater and exhaust air concepts, and seamless integration into existing production lines.
Such an approach is a key benefit of the KUSTAN engineering process and minimizes the number of suppliers required to complete a successful project.
Pickling plants
Pickling is a chemical process used to clean and activate metallic surfaces. Oxide layers, scale, heat tint or other contaminants are removed using acids such as nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. Especially for stainless steel, pickling is often a necessary process step before or after welding and prior to subsequent surface treatments such as electropolishing.
Pickling processes place high demands on the corrosion resistance of the equipment, on occupational safety, and on reliable exhaust air and wastewater treatment – requirements that we comprehensively address with our customized pickling systems and integrated environmental technology solutions.
Electropolishing Systems
Electropolishing is an electrochemical material removal process for the fine finishing of metallic surfaces, particularly stainless steel. The workpiece is immersed as the anode in an electrolyte bath (typically sulfuric acid and/or phosphoric acid). Controlled material removal smooths microscopic surface peaks, resulting in a very smooth, bright and clean surface.
Electropolished components are characterized by reduced surface roughness and improved cleanability, enhanced corrosion resistance, improved hygienic properties and an attractive visual appearance.
Electropolishing systems require precise process control, chemically resistant materials and safe handling of the electrolytes used. KUSTAN systems combine all of these requirements in a single engineered solution.
Electroplating Systems
In electroplating, metallic layers are deposited electrochemically onto a base material. The workpiece serves as the cathode in a plating bath containing the respective metal ions (e.g. nickel, copper, chromium or precious metals).
Electroplated coatings are used to provide corrosion and wear protection, influence electrical and thermal properties, create decorative surfaces or apply functional layers for technical applications.
Electroplating systems place particular demands on material resistance, environmental technology and process control, especially when handling aggressive electrolytes – we offer individually engineered systems that reliably meet all these requirements.
Thanks to KUSTAN’s decades of experience in plastic system engineering, we provide our customers with reliable, corrosion-resistant and future-proof solutions – from the initial concept through to the turnkey system.
Are you planning a system in the field of surface technology?
We will be happy to support you with our process and plant engineering expertise in implementing your individual requirements.
Annika Hillwig
+49 209 94077-0
Jana Bamberg
+49 3672 3489-0