MKS Launches Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System
July 28, 2023 | MKS Instruments, Inc.Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
MKS Instruments announced the release of the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System for alkaline zinc nickel plating. Certified by TÜV Rheinland, this technology enables virtually wastewater-free operations while minimizing waste generation and reducing carbon footprint.
This technology is a closed-loop system that functions as an all-encompassing solution, covering every aspect of the alkaline zinc nickel plating process, including rinsing. It features compact membrane anodes (CMA), custom chemical additives, a vacuum evaporator, and a freezing unit, resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact, enhanced product quality and a longer lifespan for the electroplating line.
This innovative technology prevents the formation of organic breakdown products such as cyanide, leading to a substantial reduction in sludge formation. The integrated freezing unit plays a crucial role in purifying the electrolyte by eliminating accumulated carbonate. This ensures exceptional quality and improved performance throughout the plating process. Additionally, the evaporation system separates the zinc nickel electrolyte from water, at which point these products are recycled back to the plating tank and rinsing stations. As a result, the disposal and treatment of zinc nickel wastewater is reduced by an impressive 90%.
“We are excited to introduce the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop System, a game-changer for the zinc nickel plating industry. Rather than relying on the expensive and unsustainable wastewater treatment methods that are currently in use, this system eliminates waste generation from the very beginning,” said Sabine Sengl, Global Product Director CP, MSD at MKS. “With its exceptional performance and environmental benefits, this system sets a new standard for sustainable zinc nickel plating.”
The system enables a higher cathodic current efficiency of 20 to 30%, with rack plating reaching 65% and barrel plating achieving 80% cathodic current efficiency. Energy consumption associated with the compact membrane anode technology can be reduced by 32%, significantly improving the carbon footprint. In addition, the technology brings substantial savings through reductions in NaOH, chemical and metal consumption.
In recognition of its outstanding performance, the Atotech CMA Closed-Loop technology was recently certified by TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognized independent testing service provider. This certification, obtained as part of the evaluation of electroplating lines from MKS customers, quantifies the wastewater and rinse water reduction as well as the CO2 footprint. It confirms the reliability and accuracy of the data collected by MKS.
By offering this ground-breaking technology, MKS reinforces its position as a pioneer in providing sustainable surface finishing solutions enabling customers to produce next-generation products, improve production efficiency, minimize resource consumption, and reduce their environmental footprint.
Suggested Items
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Direct Imaging Equipment and Quad-wave DLP Light Engine Technology
05/03/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOGuest Editor Kelly Dack and MivaTek's Brendan Hogan delve into the company's innovative technologies, including direct imaging equipment and quad-wave DLP light engine technology. They highlight the benefits of direct imaging, compensation, and DART technology.
iNEMI Names Grace O'Malley CTO
05/02/2024 | iNEMIThe Board of Directors of the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative (iNEMI) has named Grace O'Malley Chief Technical Officer (CTO).
Dubai Launches Global Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence
05/02/2024 | BUSINESS WIREDubai has launched a blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (AI), a yearly plan that will focus on harnessing the technology’s potential to improve quality of life around the world.
NextFlex Convenes the Hybrid Electronics Community at Binghamton University
05/01/2024 | NextFlexBinghamton University hosted the NextFlex hybrid electronics community on April 18 for a day of expert presentations, breakout sessions on technology and manufacturing topics, and networking.
IDTechEx Report on Quantum Technology: Nano-scale Physics for Massive Market Impact
04/30/2024 | PRNewswireThe quantum technology market leverages nano-scale physics to create revolutionary new devices for computing, sensing, and communications. Across the industry, quantum technology offers a paradigm shift in performance compared with incumbent solutions.