On the 10th and 11th of June 2024, in the idyllic town of Portoroz, SEAMAC partners, together with guests from research institutions and industrial partners joined for the selected presentations and discussions on “Industrial challenges of additive technologies“. (link to IRT press release)

Plasma electrolytic polishing was presented on a workshop Innovations using plasma technologies in industry, medicine, and agriculture (Inovacije z uporabo plazemskih tehnologij v industriji, medicini in kmetijstvu). Majority of participants were from industry. During the workshop, several groups were formed to brainstorm about the industrial challenges and possible solutions by plasma technologies. On the photo below only three are visible.

During his visit to Freiberg, SEAMAC coordinator Dr. Valentinčič, along with Dipl.-Ing. Toni Böttger, conducted experiments on polishing functionally graded materials (FGMs) using the Plasma Electrolytic Polishing (PeP) method.

Every visitor received a sample of a stylized shark, which had undergone partial plasma electrolytic polishing (PeP) to highlight the effect of this innovative technology.

Some of the samples were polished also during the event.

With the newly acquired expertise, the first set of workpieces already shines.

The PeP machine was successfully connected and tested in November. An expert trainer from the machine manufacturer provided the UL members with comprehensive training.

The electrical cable for the PeP machine is ready: It’s not just a cable; it’s a super-cable! In its first few milliseconds, it flexes its muscles and withstands up to 1000 A. Thankfully, during its average workday, it chills out and cruises at just 10-100x lower current levels.