PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) aims to replace other decorative, low friction surface treatments used up to now, such as nickel plating and galvanising

Tekniker-IK4 is the technological centre responsible for coordinating the Flexicoat Project: an initiative designed to encourage European SMEs to use a new technique for coating decorative surfaces - handles, knobs, bathroom fittings, etc. This treatment is safer and more environmentally friendly than other, more traditional treatments, such as nickel plating and galvanising, but is just as effective in combating wear and corrosion.

El PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition; Vapour Phase Deposition) is a sophisticated advanced technology for coating parts in a high vacuum. It has a number of advantages when compared with the conventional surface treatments - anodising, nickel plating or galvanising - it seems destined to replace or complement. As well as being fast, PVD is more environmentally friendly - it doesn't generate aqueous waste and makes optimum use of materials, it has safety advantages - it doesn't require the use of hazardous chemicals, and it is flexible - it can treat a wide range of parts with different coatings.

The main aim of Flexicoat is to spread the use of PVD technology among the over 18,000 SMEs working in the surface treatment engineering sector in Europe. PVD coating installations are already operating in major companies, but flexibility and cost factors have meant that they have not been an economically-viable option for small and medium sized companies up to now. So, Flexicoat aims to produce a PVD coating process tailored to the needs of SMEs by developing a low cost technology that can be used on the varying substrates of a wide range of parts.

10 European organisations are taking part in the Flexicoat consortium headed by Tekniker IK-4 - 3 technological centres, 3 SMEs and 4 associations. The budget for the project amounts to 2,128,844 Euros, of which 1,382,270 Euros come from the 6th European Union Framework Project, and the remaining 746,574 Euros from the companies and associations involved in the project. Tekniker IK-4 is contributing 541,227 Euros to the initiative.

With over 25 years experience in researching applied technology and transferring the results to business, Tekniker is highly specialised in four main areas (Precision Engineering and Mechatronics, Surface Engineering, Production Engineering and Automation, and Manufacturing Technologies), something that allows it to place its cutting-edge technology at the service of those requiring it. In 2008, the Eibar-based technological centre had a turnover of approximately 19 million Euros.

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