newtek nº 109 | Multifunctional surfaces: from the laboratory to the market

THE EXPERT’S VIEW Laser technology, a key vector for advanced manufacturing

PROJECT Wire additive manufacturing, a breakthrough for the aeronautical business

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGE

NEWS IK4-TEKNIKER is certified for R&D&I Management

JANUARY 2019 | No. 109 ENGLISH EDITION

Multifunctional surfaces: from the laboratory to the market

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INTRODUCTION Laser technology is part of our day-to-day life and increasingly so in industry, with new uses and applications. From this context comes Laser for Manufacturing Lab, a strategic focus from IK4-TEKNIKER which constitutes a joint and coordinated offer of all the solutions developed in the technology centre of laser technology.

Additionally, IK4-TEKNIKER has a long trajectory in the development of multifunctional surfaces in different applications and materials which, together with the centre’s other capacities, enables transition from the laboratory to the market by scaling developments, carrying out the technological transfer of the whole process to the companies.

In this Newtek, discover some of our examples of laser applications and multifunctional surfaces!

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INDEX

THE EXPERT’S VIEW

C04 Laser technology, a key vector for advanced manufacturing

PROJECT

THE EXPERT’S VIEW

C07 Wire additive manufacturing, a breakthrough for the aeronautical business

C09 Multifunctional surfaces: from the laboratory to the market

PROJECT

NEWS

C12 A long life for food to C14 IK4-TEKNIKER is certified preserve the environment for R&D&I Management

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EXPERT’S VIEW

LASER TECHNOLOGY, a key vector for advanced manufacturing THE EXPERT’S VIEW: David Gómez Director of the Laser for Manufacturing Lab at IK4-TEKNIKER

DAVID GÓMEZ

Since its inception in 1960 when it was classified as “a solution in search of a problem”, the development of laser technology and how it is to be applied to different sectors, productions areas and fields of science has never stopped advancing.

In our lives, the use of laser can be seen in a number of everyday actions such as bar code reading, document printing or accessing the Internet, although this technology is also useful in different areas of health sciences such as operations performed to correct myopia or carry out dermatology treatments.

The world of manufacturing has never lost sight of how useful laser applications have become nor of how important tool they are for metrology, inspection, monitoring or material processing.

To date, and since their introduction in the 80s and 90s, the development of new sources of laser radiation, such as fibre technology featuring significant increases in power ratings and peak energy, have given rise to a new generation of high-performance laser devices. These systems are nowadays used extensively thanks to significant cost reductions. A case in point has to do with diode lasers and for which a “Moore’s Law” is currently under discussion to increase power and reduce costs.

Due to the above mentioned factors, laser is nowadays considered to be a key enabling technology in the industry whose contribution is highly significant in terms of furthering the so-called fourth industrial revolution or Industry 4.0.

On the one hand, it is expected that certain conventional processes shall be replaced by others based on laser technology, whilst, on the other, the use of laser is giving rise to new production processes such as additive manufacturing of metals as one of the most outstanding examples.

Industrial processes that are more efficient, resilient and productive Production processes based on laser technology clearly meet the requirements posed by the so-called Industry 4.0 in terms of customisation and resilience, reduction of life cycles, greater productivity or improved sustainability.

Basically, laser processes are easy to digitise because their fundamental parameters can be controlled (speed, beam size and shape, amount of energy per pulse and power).

What this actually means is that a single laser source can be used to develop completely different processes such as cutting, welding or cladding. In addition to this, the inherent features of this technology provide excellent adaptation ca4 | NEWTEK JANUARY 2019

The world of manufacturing has never lost sight of how useful laser applications are for metrology, inspection, monitoring or material processing.

pacities that do not only make it possible to modify designs quickly, but also allows different products to be customised in a single process.

Nowadays, laser technology provides the two main additive manufacturing methods on metal: Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Laser Metal Deposition (LMD).

It must also be stressed that the higher average power ratings achieved by these lasers together with the development of beam processing techniques (multiplication, conversion and shaping) are delivering increasingly higher productivity rates that are making it possible to manufacture complex structures that, until now, could not be approached in a profitable manner. A clear example of this can be found in the micro-drilling of large surfaces for aeronautical applications and in which high-speed drilling would make it feasible to develop hybrid laminar flow control structures (HLFC).

In the first case, the part is generated layer by layer on a bed of metallic material in the form of powder. The final quality of the part is determined by the thickness of each layer manufactured (generally speaking, a few dozens of microns) and by the parameters and quality of the laser that has been used for the melting.

SLM POWDER

Finally, laser is also an excellent tool used to measure and calibrate machines or end parts and to monitor and inspect throughout a process as no contact is required for this technique. In this regard, for instance, modern interferometric multilateration techniques have made it possible to automatically check the geometry of a machine tool throughout its entire work volume in short periods of time and with hardly any human intervention.

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing of metallic materials The development of additive manufacturing techniques is a fundamental pillar for the so-called Industry 4.0 approach because it helps to obtain components quicker and with greater resilience and accuracy in certain applications.

These technologies, however, have been fundamentally used to obtain plastic prototypes, which explains why additive manufacturing has been repeatedly associated with “rapid prototyping”. In many instances, the scaling of these processes in accordance with real manufacturing situations requires that materials with good mechanical and thermal properties be used. Consequently, this means that metallic materials must also be used. Thus, the obtainment of metallic parts represents a significant landmark in terms of implementing additive manufacturing in production processes.

SCANNER LASER

POWDER BED

SCRAPER

On the other hand, Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) is based on injecting metal powder (LMD using powder) or metal wire (LMD using wire) on the focalising plane of a high-power laser to produce direct melting of the material on the surface under consideration.

LMD LASER HEAD

POWDER

WIRE

INERT GAS AR2

COAXIAL POWDER FEEDING NOZZLE SUBSTRATE

WIRE

SUBSTRATE

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EXPERT’S VIEW

The main advantage of the LMD technology is that it allows additive manufacturing to be carried out on surfaces with complex geometries as well as on parts manufactured beforehand using other technologies.

Furthermore, the size of the parts manufactured ctured is only limited by the machine’s range of motion, meaning that large parts (>1m 3) can be manufactured at high deposition speed settings (>2Kg/hour). Generally speaking, manufacturing practices of this kind require machining in the case of applications for which a good surface finish is a must.

In those instances in which a good finish is required, LMD manufacturing only requires a minimal superficial machining post-treatment that does not take up too much time.

significant is unquestionable that these issues are very signifi cant as regards certifying and accepting products manufactured by means of these technologies.

In addition to the aforementioned remarks with regard to laser-based manufacturing processes, there is nowadays a significant trend focused on designing and manufacturing sources, components and equipment to deliver processes that are quicker, more reliable and safer. In this regard, new designs are being looked into for the ultimate purpose o developing small components and manufacturing comof p plex equipment.

Generally speaking, it can be concluded that, based on its G current state of the art, laser technology can be rated as a c key k vector in terms of developing advanced manufacturing processes demanded by industry 4.0 and f that it clearly complements traditional processes (cutting, t welding, machining, heat treatments, etc.). w This technology has also given rise to the onset of new maT nufacturing processes in the field of additive manufactun ring for metals. r

The laser for Manufacturing Lab T

LMD: injection using power and metal wire Nowadays, LMD technologies using powder and wire injection coexist at an industrial level and both are applied in different cases. As regards powder, it is a much more widespread and technologically developed process, as easier to use and materials are more readily available. This explains why it is frequently used for tasks involving reinforcements and repairs.

However, recent progress reported in terms of header design and materials in the form of wire have given rise to advantages such as an insignificant loss of material deposits, higher deposition speeds, to greater process adaptability to machining-additive manufacturing hybrids and to a healthier work environment, among other benefits.

The importance of process control It must also be stressed how important it is to control these manufacturing processes as they clearly determine the structural and mechanical features of the end parts. Likewise, an in-depth characterisation (structural, chemical, mechanical, etc.) is required throughout the entire process, from the base material used to the end part itself. It

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W Without ever losing sight of this trend and after nearly 20 y years of work connected to developing laser technology to m meet these new requirements, IK4-TEKNIKER has set up the “Laser for Manufacturing Lab” that offers global solutions based on specialised and comprehensive knowledge related to laser technology applied from the integral perspective of advanced manufacturing: manufacturing processes -specialised in LMD using wire-; the design and manufacture of equipment and components; additive manufacturing, inspection and measurement.

The Laser for Manufacturing Lab offers a means to reach out to the industry more efficiently and to meet specific advanced manufacturing need thanks to the possibilities offered by laser technology and which provides a 360º vision on this technology and how it can be applied. With the support provided by in-house knowledge and equipment, it also guarantees integral process control that includes the structural and mechanical features of the end parts.

This initiative forms part of a joint and coordinated offer comprising all the solutions developed in this field at IK4-TEKNIKER.

MATERIAL PROCESSING

EQUIPMENT AND COMPONENTS

INSPECTION ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING AND MEASUREMENT

TECHNICAL ADVICE SERVICES AND TRAINING

PROJECT

Wire additive manufacturing, a breakthrough for the aeronautical business Both the high efficiency and flexibility of wire LMD and lower costs resulting from using less raw materials have caught the industry’s attention.

Manufacturing processes of metal components that use 3D printing and wire deposition represent one of the most promising technologies as regards making very large parts in sectors such as the aeronautical business. The energy sector believes they provide an efficient alternative method to repair components and apply deposition material and coatings.

structural quality of the material deposited thanks to lower levels of gas and pore entrapment.

Although it is a relatively new technology, especially bearing mind that the fi rst coaxial wire deposition heads were commercialised in 2017, features like high process efficiency, materials with improved structural quality, enhanced system resilience, freedom of movements and lower costs incurred in terms of raw material have attracted the industry’s attention.

Since the arrival of additive manufacturing technologies in the market, the aeronautical sector has used them to manufacture high added value components by means of hybrid processes that combine conventional systems with cuttingedge techniques as it is more competitive to deposit a preform to be subsequently machined instead of machining the entire volume using a solid block as a starting point.

Direct laser metal deposition, also known as laser cladding or laser metal deposition (LMD), has been traditionally applied by means of metal powder. The recent development, however, of specific wire heads has caught the industry’s attention because of their higher competitiveness.

As regards hybrid manufacturing of components, the biggest obstacle is related to guaranteeing structural quality. In this regard, additive technologies based on direct wire melting using an electric arc WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing) or an electron beam EBAM (Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing) are already being applied in the aeronautical and defence sectors.

There are several universities and European technology centres, including IK4-TEKNIKER, that are currently working to develop and market concentric wire heads.

Compared to powder, this system is clearly more advantageous as it delivers 100% of process mass efficiency, whereas powder only ranges between 60-80%. It also improves the

Thanks to these features, the LMD concentric wire technology has a very promising future as an additive technology to manufacture large structural components in aeronautical and power applications.

The arrival, however, of the LMD concentric wire technique offers a number of advantages compared to the above mentioned options such as a lower dilution of the material deposited on the base material and more control in terms of how heat is applied. These features provide a preform

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PROJECT

IK4-TEKNIKER has an extensive track record in terms of laser technology that has been included in the range of options offered by the “Laser for Manufacturing Lab” focused, among other things, on applying additive LMD manufacturing, on its two main arms: powder and wire deposition material.

of the component to be machined that is better adapted to the end part with wire LMD compared to WAAM or EBAM. Additionally, and as heat can be applied in a more controlled manner, there is less distortion associated with the solidification process meaning that less raw materials are used.

Consequently, it has been estimated that LMD processes can be 15 to 30% more efficient as regards obtaining nearnet-shape geometries compared to those made by means of WAAM or EBAM.

components and oxygen reactives, or the ADDIECO project whose goal is to manufacture titanium components for the aeronautical sector in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

In this way, the technology centre’s offer includes, among other things, the fine-tuning of LMD processes, the making of prototypes and short production runs, the design and manufacture of equipment, counselling and training.

IK4-TEKNIKER has an extensive track record in terms of laser technology that has been included in the range of options offered by the “Laser for Manufacturing Lab” focused, among other things, on applying additive LMD manufacturing, on its two main arms: powder and wire deposition material.

The Laser for Manufacturing Lab also offers the option of developing complete solutions and components for LMD, including the hybridisation of this technology with conventional machining processes.

In this field, the technology centre is working on several R&D&I projects such as the ADDIMAX initiative whose aim is to build a very large 3D printing machine for titanium

IK4-TEKNIKER also offers technical advice services as well as feasibility and characterisation studies for strategic sectors dealing with aeronautics, renewables and fossil fuels.

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EXPERT’S VIEW

MULTIFUNCTIONAL SURFACES: from the laboratory to the market T THE EXPERT´S VIEW Borja Coto, Multifunctional Surfaces B Coordinator at IK4-TEKNIKER

Surfaces provide a meeting point between S aan object and its environment, in such a way tthat surface properties determine how it will behave when put in contact with other w objects, light, biological organisms or aggreo sssive environments. Physical-chemical charracteristics of surfaces are associated with properties such as aesthetics, behaviour to p ccorrosion and wear, their ability to remain cclean or use sunlight to produce energy.

Consequently, if we are able to modify surC fface properties, it will be possible to achieve new functionalities or improve the propern tties of materials.

An industrial vision: multi-functionality, scalability and life in use Although each application is associated with its specific needs, all of them have three requirements in common: surface multi-functionality, the application of processes in the industry and maintaining functionalities throughout a component’s life cycle.

Generally speaking, the distinctive features of each application usually mean that there is more than one functionality involved such as, for instance, corrosion and wear resistance in mechanical components; transparency and electric conductivity in touch screens; anti-bacterial and wear protection in implants; or easy-cleaning properties and temperature resistance on surfaces where food is cooked.

This is why, in most applications, multi-functional surfaces are required.

There are different technologies such as surface coatings or structures at micro and nanoscopic scales that allow surface properties to be modified. The requirements of each application, moreover, will determine which technology or combination of technologies offers the most suitable option with regard to production requirements and how it must be integrated in the industrial processes of each company.

In this regard, we have several coating and structuring processes available at IK4-TEKNIKER that can be scaled at an industrial level. This provides enough resilience to deliver optimum surface solutions for specific production processes.

In order to ensure that new functionalities are maintained throughout a product’s life cycle, we have characterisation options such as laboratory tests or test benches for components to monitor functionalities under diverse environmental and wear conditions (temperature, humidity, corrosion, etc.).

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EXPERT’S VIEW

Applications and technologies New skins: functional coatings One of the most frequently used strategies when surface properties have to be modified consists in applying coatings that act as a new skin to achieve the desired level of functionality. There are several types of coating technologies and the most suitable ones for each application will determine the functionalities required and production costs.

generation of solar power or aesthetic metallic-like coatings on ceramic and plastic materials, among others.

Additionally, humidity-based chemical coatings using Sol Gel techniques offer additional functionalities very demanded by the market. Both their resilience with regard to formulations as well as the possibility of using additives in the form of nanoparticles make it possible to obtain surface properties repelling diverse substances together with anti-soiling or anti-dirt and self-cleaning functionalities covering a large number of applications. This technology embraces applications ranging from domestic and industrial appliances to reflectors at solar concentration plants.

The possibility, moreover, of applying Sol Gel formulations by using techniques such as dipping, spraying or curtain have made it possible to install them in existing production processes involving minimum spending.

Both PVD and Sol Gel produce thin layer coatings which, in addition to the previously described functionalities, can also provide protection to cope with a number of corrosion mechanisms.

In cases characterised by exposure to aggressive environments, however, it might be necessary to apply technologies that produce thicker protective layers. Such is the case of plasma electro-oxidation technique used on light titanium, aluminium or magnesium alloys to obtain hard, high wear resistant surfaces and a high level of protection against corrosion and high temperatures. This is a very interesting option for lightweight, high-performance components in the aeronautical and automotive sectors.

Consequently, coating technologies such as PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) have been used for years to improve properties such as component and tool wear resistance or to reduce friction in everyday applications involving objects like razor blades or highly technological things like satellite components.

PVD is, in fact, a highly versatile technology in terms of the materials that can be deposited or the different types of substrates that can be coated. Their scalability and low cost per part have allowed PVD to play a significant role in an extensive range of applications such as optical layers for lenses, the

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Another alternative is the laser filler technique that is used to deposit thick, highly protective layers of ceramics or alloyed metals to cope with corrosion and wear. Paint still plays a significant role in applications where it is necessary to protect large infrastructures exposed to marine environments (offshore wind turbine generators) or ships to prevent the formation of biofouling. To achieve this goal, current research strategies are focused on incorporating additives with nanoparticles to improve properties, extend life cycles and avoid high maintenance costs resulting from replacing paint once it degrades.

Biomimetics: structures inspired by nature

IK4-TEKNIKER:

Millions of years of evolution have provided plants and animals with very refi ned mechanisms to guarantee their survival. In many cases, these mechanisms can be found on plant leaves or animal skin.

The present and future of

Breakthroughs in microscopy techniques have shown that certain natural surfaces feature nano and micrometric structures with special properties. For instance, organisms such as leaves of lotus flowers are always clean thanks to hierarchical structures that produces super hydrophobia allowing water drops to slide on a surface and remove any traces of dirt. Shark skin has a surface structure that bestows hydrodynamic advantages and prevents the growth of organisms.

Moths have eyes with an antireflection structure that improves night vision.

These special properties have served as a source of inspiration to generate surface structures for industrial applications. To replicate structures of this kind there are technologies such as pulsed laser that control the amount of energy applied to generate surface structures at a micrometric level on metallic, ceramic or plastic materials. Likewise, nano printing lithography uses stamps to imprint structures with nanometric patterns on polymers that can be subsequently transferred to other materials such as metals by means of lithographic techniques.

These techniques, moreover, are interesting as they can be incorporated to industrial processes. In the case of laser technologies, they can generate negatives of structures on moulds or laminating rollers to be later transferred effectively (costwise) to the parts themselves without having to process each part individually with laser. Nano printing lithography processes, in fact, can be scaled by means of continuous processes (roll to roll or roll to plate).

multifunctional surfaces in the industry We have more than 25 years of experience at IK4-TEKNIKER in the development and industrial implementation of multifunctional surfaces for a number of applications. We also have our in-house capabilities in terms of engineering, automation and robotics as well as a strategic approach for process scaling and surfaces to develop the most innovative functionalities and technologies to anticipate future market demands.

All the knowledge and expertise acquired over these years are fully in line with the Solution for Multifunctional Services that IK4-TEKNIKER offers to companies, so they can identify surface solutions to address their specific problems.

The solution embraces initial diagnostics and characterisation to establish the best strategy and technology, the development or adaptation of multifunctional surfaces and the industrial implementation of solutions. It allows us to walk beside our customers at all times; from the early development stages to the moment when new processes and innovative products are launched into the market, thus playing the role of suppliers delivering integral solutions for the industry.

In this manner, it becomes possible to transfer some of the surface functionalities achieved in a highly efficient manner by natural organisms to industrial applications and materials. These structuring strategies, moreover, can be combined with thin layers of coating to improve the functionality provided by structuring or incorporate other additional functionalities to components.

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PROJECT

2Îźm

A long life for food to preserve the environment The goal of the BIOSMART initiative, coordinated by IK4-TEKNIKER, is to design a new generation of smart containers to extend food life and reduce waste and carbon dioxide emissions.

IK4-TEKNIKER has extensive experience in surface engineering that has given rise to multi-functional surfaces that improve the properties of the materials used and provide them with different functionalities that can be applied to a number of products.

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90 kilogrammes per person per year. According to FAO O data, this is the amount of food wasted in Europe. At an n international scale, it has been estimated that one third d of the food produced ends up in a bin (Jenny Gustavson ett al, Global food losses and food waste, FAO, 2011).

This does not only have a significant social impact, butt also increases the level of CO2 emissions and, conse-quently, produces negative environmental effects. e To mitigate this problem, IK4-TEKNIKER, the Basque technology centre, is coordinating BIOSMART, an initia-d tive that seeks to develop new smart containers based on organic materials that can preserve food quality and lengthen shelf life.

All containers developed under this initiative are manufactured based on natural organic materials to produce biodegradable and compostable containers convertible into biomass, CO2 and water, once used, or into recyclable containers to simplify subsequent processing and reutilization.

Solutions to extend food life One of the most outstanding features of these biodegradable and/or compostable containers is that they are “smart” and feature functionalities allowing for internal gas monitoring and an extended half life of the food stored inside.

One of these functionalities will use sensors printed on the container to monitor and deliver information on the degree of preservation of the food it contains by monitoring internal gases in a controlled atmosphere. This makes it easier to guarantee correct food preservation.

BIOSMART containers will also feature optimum barrier effect properties to control patency to water, oxygen and CO2, and to block UV radiation causing the oxidation of fat, loss of vitamins, fading of colours and adverse effects affecting the flavour of certain types of food.

These containers will incorporate functionalities to prevent adhesion and proliferation of microorganisms in the form of bacteria, fungi and yeast and their growth inside the container to preserve food longer.

Phase-changing materials will also be included in the containers to regulate temperatures and maintain the cold chain from the moment food is bought until it reaches your home.

Cutting-edge technologies to achieve competitive production costs The people responsible for the initiative will be using cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to achieve competitive production costs compared to the containers currently in use to further market penetration.

IK4-TEKNIKER has extensive experience in surface engineering that has given rise to multi-functional surfaces that improve the properties of the materials used and provide them with different functionalities that can be applied to a number of products.

This project has received funding from the Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 745762.

It is in this specific context that IK4-TEKNIKER is working on key technologies such as Sol Gel to develop coatings that improve UV barrier properties in rigid and flexible films.

As regards materials for energy conservation, and within the framework of this project, the technology centre is also developing micro and nano capsules that contain biomaterials characterised by phase-change behaviour. These capsules are used as coatings for rigid and flexible fi lm to ensure the cold chain of the packaged food. If the cold channel is disrupted, the encapsulated micro nano material absorbs heat from the environment and maintains an optimum temperature for the food inside (the so-called thermal regulation function).

Finally, IK4-TEKNIKER is working on the production of flexible micro and nano-texturised biofi lms to incorporate anti-bacterial properties based on creating a surface topography. To achieve this, micro and nano-printing or nano-printing lithography technology is used.

Once the structures have been designed, manufactured and evaluated and transferred to biofi lm in small parts (measuring only 10 cm x 10 cm), the results obtained are scaled at a pre-industrial level by means of the roll to roll technology. This technology allows for serial production of larger structured fi lms that will be introduced in the market at a later stage.

Evaluating the materials and the containers produced IK4-TEKNIKER plays an outstanding role as regards evaluating the behaviour of the different materials used for containers by running standard tests and employing cutting-edge technologies.

Specifically, the organisation focuses on characterising mechanical, superficial, thermal and biodegradability properties and addressing anti-bacterial activity of new materials developed within the framework of the programme.

It is also carrying out studies to ascertain and quantify the environmental impact produced by new containers by means of a life cycle analysis.

Finally, and in order to carry out the project in full, it is mandatory to comply with the current legislation on plastics in contact with food EC 1/2011, EC 1183/2012 and EC 2016/1416 and on active and smart materials and objects to be brought into contact with food EC450/2009.

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The technology centre meets all certification requirements based on the excellence of its transfer and research management systems.

IK4-TEKNIKER is certified for R&D&I Management

Jon Ander Madariaga, José Miguel Erdozain, Mercedes Aja, Itziar Epalza, Iosu Madariaga, Alex Bengoa, Óscar Nevot, Amaia Bernarás, Enrique Zoppetti, Itziar Cenoz.

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ALBISTEAK

UNE 166002:2014 It is essential to carry out more research to further competitiveness. In addition, developing technologically advanced solutions and converting them into products and services that are suitable for the industry and market requires that processes be incorporated to manage excellence.

It is within this context that the IK4-TEKNIKER technology centre received a certificate for fully adapting its R&D&I system to the requirements specified in UNE 166002:2014. IK4-TEKNIKER has been supported by Juan Carlos Morla from Sonder Consulting and SGS as an accredited body since the early preparatory stages to carry out the certification process.

The certificate has been awarded by SGS, an inspection, verification, testing and certification organisation, to the Director General of IK4-TEKNIKER, Mr Alex Bengoa, in the course of an event held at the technology centre’s facilities in Eibar, a Gipuzkoa municipality.

Also present were the Director for Technology and Strategy of the Basque Government, Mr Iosu Madariaga, and the SGS Director for R&D&I Certifications, Mr Óscar Nevot.

The event was also been attended by Mr Enrique Zoppetti, the SGS delegate representing the northern zone, Mr Jon Ander Madariaga director of operations at SGS, Ms Itziar Cenoz, Director of Marketing and Digital Business at IK4-TEKNIKER and Ms Mercedes Aja, the Director of Persons and Organisation at IK4-TEKNIKER. The fact that IK4-TEKNIKER has been awarded this certificate means that the organization has met the requirements of referential UNE 166002 and operates

an R &D&I management system that is geared towards excellence.

“Our R&D&I activities, endorsed by a track record of more than 35 years, have enabled us to set up a robust management system that makes it possible to develop research and transfer projects efficiently and efficaciously. They also allow us to articulate management practices in all the processes involved in terms of the value chain and other supporting processes that play a fundamental role at a technology centre” says Bengoa.

“Being certified is not a process that comes to end, but rather that it becomes yet another landmark along the path we are following to maintain and improve our management practices to respond better to our industrial fabric and society at large”, says Bengoa.

An exhaustive process In order to be certified, IK4-TEKNIKER passed two audits carried out in March and May this year by an SGS team headed by Óscar Nevot.

During the process, the audit team ascertained that the IK4-TEKNIKER R&D&I management system met all the requirements stipulated in the UNE 166002 referential.

The end result is an integrated management system is implemented that cannot only give rise to a policy but also achieve the organisation’s targets established in relation to all other interested parties. Likewise, the technology centre has used the 2015 version of the ISO 9001 standard to revalidate the quality certificate. Both certificates have secured excellent and professional management practices.

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PARKE TEKNOLOGIKOA CALLE IÑAKI GOENAGA, 5 20600 EIBAR · GIPUZKOA · SPAIN TEL: +34 943 206 744

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