INNOCAST EURECAT

Solution to increase the useful life and quality of high pressure casting molds (HPDC).

Project INNOCAST aims at developing an innovative physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating concept, based on nanostructured morphology to generate a complex layer of surface oxides to greatly reduce wettability and attack by molten aluminium on die casting tools.

The project also investigates the use of ion implantation to modify the PVD coating, a highly innovative concept in the metal-mechanic sector that will allow the creation of phases with self-lubricating and wear-resistant properties.

To validate the performance of these new solutions, a pilot environment and a test methodology for surface treatments in HPDC will be established.

INNOCAST explores the new concepts of electric mobility, which require lightweight, ecological structural materials and whose production can be implemented in the short term.

Aluminium, lightweight, competitive in cost, produced using established and proven techniques and perfectly recyclable, has gained prominence in recent years. Specifically, high-pressure aluminium injection allows large productions of complex, high-quality parts to be obtained, as well as presenting an excellent fit into the circular economy.

However, these structural aluminium alloys have a drawback: their composition (with a very low iron content) makes them especially aggressive for moulds, an obvious limitation for the quality and economy of the process.

Eurecat participates in this project through its Metallic and Ceramic Materials Unit, which is in charge, among others, of carrying out wear tests and monitoring the performance and wear of tools.

In addition to Eurecat, INNOCAST counts with the participation of the company Metal Estalki.

General details

Project

INNOCAST – Innovation on coatings for tools for the production of lightweight aluminium components

Project reference

CPP2021-008500

Programme and call for tender

Project funded by the Spanish State Program to Promote Scientific-Technical Research and its Transfer, of the State Plan for Scientific, Technical and Innovation Research 2021-2023, within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan