A revolution in digital PIMS combining Pipeline Corrosion Integrity Management System (PIMS) and computational modeling capabilities
Elsyca IRIS
Deep analysis of AC threats supporting efficient mitigation systems computer-aided design
Elsyca CatPro
Graphical simulation platform for cathodic protection and DC stray current analysis of pipeline networks
Elsyca CPManager
3D CAD-based software simulation platform for the computer-aided design and analysis of cathodic protection installations
Elsyca ACTA
Unique solution offering accurate, disambiguated, and tailored risk ranking report of pipeline networks
Plate
Elsyca PlatingManager
Leverage a digital twin of your plating line to predict plating performance and increase manufacturing capacity
Elsyca PCBBalance
The world’s only PCB DFM software that applies automated and optimized copper balancing to your PCB design and panel layout.
Elsyca PCBPlate
State-of-the-art graphical simulation platform for enhancing the plating performance of your PCB panel and pattern plating processes.
Elsyca ECoatMaster
CAD independent software platform for the simulation of the automotive electrocoating process of a body-in-white (BIW).
Elsyca EPOS
Simulate the performances of electropolishing processes based on a virtual mock-up of the electropolishing cell.
Elsyca AnodizingManager
State-of-the-art graphical simulation platform for analyzing the production performance and quality of anodizing processes.
Innovate
Elsyca CorrosionMaster
CorrosionMaster identifies corrosion hot spots and predicts corrosion rates, enabling engineers to look at alternative material combinations and/or coating systems, or investigate corrosion-mitigating measures.
Decorative plating businesses will be required to cease Cr(VI) use by 2027
Hard chrome plating plants will be required to do so by 2039
European Union
Complete ban on Cr(VI) plating, starting in 2024
Seems to be postponed to 2026 (ECHA data)
Impact businesses?
Need to find and evaluate alternatives and impact on process
Need to validate impact on product performance (corrosion, looks,…)
What is impact on process & product performance?
Cr(III) – chloride or sulphate-based solution?
Chloride based
Sulphate based
Plating speed
Plate twice as fast as sulphate
Lower speed
Tanks anodes
Graphite base anodes
MMO (Metal Mixed anodes)
Corrosion test USCAR(*)
Better performance
Lower compared to chloride
(*)USCAR (United States Council for Automotive Research, LLC) is a collaborative automotive technology company whose member companies include Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Stellantis. Their primary goal is to strengthen the technology base of the United States auto industry with research and development. In 2020, USCAR released the findings of its “Final Assessment of Decorative Trivalent Chromium Exposure in Winter Environments” study. A summary of the study was published in the March 2020 issue of Products Finishing.
Electroplating digital twin concept
What is impacted by switch
Plating bath analysis
How to update bath specifics?
Sent a sample of the Cr(III) bath + sample of Ni bath to Elsyca (1/2 gallon)
Elsyca will perform analysis
Elsyca will return configuration files
Customer adds these files to Elsyca PlatingManager
Ready to go!
Upfront electroplating process analysis
Cr(VI) electrolyte performance versus Cr(III)
Conclusion
Regulations force to move to Cr(VI)-free electroplating processes
Cr(III) baths can be used, but require changes to production
Elsyca PlatingManager is ready to support these changes, only needs:
Updated production line information (new Cr(III) tanks) à By Elsyca
Updated electrolyte information à By Elsyca
Update process parameters à By customer
No changes in process flow using Elsyca on process validation