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“In our CINDAL innovation center we develop high-performance products that contain a high percentage of recycled aluminum. Together, Aludium and our customers are testing the limits of what the most advanced casting and rolling technologies can do.”

Cindal R&D

I+D Cindal, Innovative solutions that build the future of aluminum

The Cindal R&D center in Alicante (Spain) is one of the world’s leading aluminum research centers. The team of experts has
specialists in all areas of technology, products and processes.

In addition to having the responsibility of optimizing Aludium’s own products and processes, Cindal R&D provides a valuable support and advice to our clients. Whether looking for the right alloy for an application or providing information on surface finishes, Cindal R&D is there to help. The CINDAL team also performs the function of knowledge transfer through an extensive training program.

Laboratories

Cindal has advanced laboratories to develop new products and satisfy the needs of our customers in terms of testing and development of new products.

Simulation of the thermo-mechanical process Cindal is equipped to develop new alloys, products, designs and finishes, and simulate any type of process in aluminum. This allows the customer to significantly reduce the costs of developing new products and the time required to bring them to market.

Library and Patents

Over the years, Cindal R&D has accumulated an extensive library of references covering all aspects of aluminum metallurgy and processes. The R&D center also has an increasing number of patents.

International Representation

Cindal R&D represents Aludium in a number of organizations international, including:
– CEN – the European organization for the planning, elaboration and approval of European Standards for Aluminum rolled products. Aludium is part of the Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys group (CTN / 132).
– AENOR – national standards association that is also a member of CEN. Aludium is active in CTN / 38 – Light metals (Al, Mg, Ti). And CNT / 112 (corrosion and surface treatments on metal surfaces).
– European Aluminum (EA) and its working groups.
– Materplat – the Technological Platform for Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials.
– Aluminum in contact with food (ACF)
– European Aluminum Foil Association (EAFA)

Areas of experience

The Cindal R&D center concentrates its work in the following areas:

Cindal I+D puede simular parámetros tales como reducciones de laminación o condiciones de recocido para conseguir el rendimiento deseado durante el procesamiento de nuestros clientes. Nuestro conocimiento de las características de diferentes aleaciones nos permite identificar rápidamente la aleación correcta y simular la ruta termomecánica para definir el proceso industrial dependiendo de las características mecánicas requeridas en el producto final.

Our laboratory is equipped to carry out the complete analysis of materials of different aluminum alloys. By combining our knowledge of microstructures with the latest analysis equipment, we can help you identify the best material and process to achieve your application.

Our materials teams allow us to complete different types of tests:

– Comprehensive analysis of primary aluminum

– Assurance of analytical quality

– Analysis of heavy metals (Compliance with FDA / CONEG regulations)

– Hydrogen content in aluminum

– Calibration of optical emission spectrometers and performance tests.

Cindal R&D metallurgical facilities allow Aludium to design and monitor aluminum manufacturing processes. They also allow us to gain a solid understanding of how aluminum structures can be optimized.

The Cindal R&D pilot plant allows us to simulate rolling procedures and different heat treatments. Using these resources, we can quickly evaluate innovative processes.

Our metallographic laboratory focuses on surface and microstructural characterization. We use a full range of research tools, including optical and stereomicroscopes and electron microscopes (SEM). We can perform energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis to provide information on the composition of the material examined.

Services.

These range from destructive testing to drawing testing to testing non-destructive as optical systems to measure deformation and crack propagation. Our full range of assays enables us to develop analyzes for the highly diversified market and applications where Aludium products are used.

Aludium’s Cindal R&D specialists are prepared to evaluate, explain and interpret the results of our investigations. We can accompany our research reports with practical recommendations for new and existing solutions.

Cindal R&D has a very deep knowledge of lubricants and tribology (including those used in hydraulic systems) for continuous casting, hot rolling, cold rolling, gloss and foil.

We have worked for years with the best lubricant suppliers in the world. Our team can provide technical support and help you select and define the best formulas for your processes.

Our laboratory instruments and experience allow us to perform a wide range of lubricant tests. In addition to the most common tests, we are able to carry out custom experiments. The results of our tests will provide you with all the information you need to continuously design and improve your lubrication systems.

Aludium-Cindal-183Aludium-Cindal-205

We are specialists in analysis compliance of the lubricant with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation. We can also simulate and design oil recovery and filtration systems.

Our techniques include:

– Gas Headspace Chromatography (GC)
– Liquid Chromatography of high performance
– Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
– Ultra-violet spectroscopy
– Thermo-gravimetry
– Differential calorimetry
– Induction coupled plasma (ICP )
– X-ray fluorescence
– All our services comply with the most demanding international standards (EN, ASTM, …) for each specific experiment.

Cindal R&D is able to provide any type of corrosion test and to evaluate bare or processed aluminum.

This gives our customers the necessary confidence regarding the behavior of the selected aluminum against corrosion for those applications where this requirement is key.

Cindal R&D has extensive experience in the following types of corrosion evaluations:

– Intergranular Corrosion Test (NALMT)
– Exfoliation corrosion test (ASSET and EXCO)
– Salt mist chamber tests (NSTT, AASST, CASST, SWAAT)
– Aging tests (humidity, high temperature, immersion Machu)
– Filiform Corrosion Test
– Tensile Corrosion or Tension Corrosion Test (rings or C-rings, uniaxial carba specimens or T-bars)
– Exposure to marine atmosphere real or artificial.
– Other forms of corrosion such as crevice, abrasion, galvanic pairs.
– Other forms of corrosion such as differential aeration, abrasion, galvanic couples, …
– Our support may include pre-evaluations of the compatibilities of various substances with aluminum, sample preparation (such as painting), tests, metallurgical studies and elaboration of final reports (in Spanish , English and French).

All our corrosion response evaluations are carried out taking into account international standards (ISO, EN, ASTM) for each specific corrosion test.

Contact us
to learn more about
how our
Cindal R&D facility can help you.

+34 96 598 9543

Contact us

Advice
Objective

Cindal is certified to carry out objective chemical analysis of any aluminum material and tensile tests of any material for external industrial companies in accordance with the international standard UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 .

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Metal analysis quality assurance

Cindal R&D is accredited to ensure the quality of aluminum and aluminum alloys internationally. We also carry out regular audits of Aludium’s own facilities to ensure:

– Quality of metal analysis
– Control of toxic elements for alloys
– Proficiency tests
– Special analyzes
– Comprehensive primary metal analysis
– Hydrogen quality assurance
– Standardization and implementation of best practices
– Design, selection and calibration of the instrumentation for analysis

Cindal I + D is certified under the international standard UNE-EN ISO 17025: 2005. Cindal R&D analyzes guarantee the quality of 25 laboratories around the world and 35 instruments.

Contact us
to learn more about
how our
Cindal R&D facility can help you.

+34 96 598 9543

Contact us

Advice
Objective

Cindal is certified to carry out objective chemical analysis of any aluminum material and tensile tests of any material for external industrial companies in accordance with the international standard UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 .

 

Process and product solutions

Our experience focuses on the following areas:

Cindal R&D offers fully equipped pilot plants for:

– Studies of annealing treatments
– Anodizing
– Chemical brightening
– Degreasing and pickling
– Electro-grained
– Shot blasting
– Conversion layers or pretreatments
– Painted
– Electro-polishing
– Hot and cold rolling tests
– Studies of inorganic finishes
– Corrosion tests
– Selection of instruments

Cindal R&D conducts research into the design of aluminum alloys for specific applications. Our facilities allow us to demonstrate the behavior of metal during its processing and manufacturing.

We can simulate the effects of casting, rolling, drawing, bending and other processes.

Heat treatments are a critical step in the manufacture of aluminum products. They are used to define or improve the microstructure of alloys, they allow lamination to achieve the desired characteristics in the metal.

Cindal I + D can advise you on the appropriate heat treatment to achieve the final product that you need . Our test equipment allows us to monitor:

– Heat treatments
– Influence on grain structure
– Macro and microstructure
– Control of mechanical properties
– Stabilization of the structure.

Cindal I + D is equipped with a complete set of tools that allow us to characterize materials, from chemical composition, through mechanical tests, metallographic structure to surface characterization (coated, anodized, pretreatment, …). We use non-destructive testing, optical and electron microscopy, interferometric microscopy, and other techniques to analyze surface topography and surface treatments down to the nanometer level.

The Cindal R&D team can tailor the characterization of our material to customer needs. We help the client to achieve their objectives by using the appropriate techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.

Mechanical tests provide information on how an aluminum alloy will perform under real conditions. Cindal R&D can carry out a range of tests including:

– Tension test
– Axial dynamic test
– Earing test
– Erichsen test < br /> – Fatigue test
– Foil mechanical tests
– Fracture resistance
– Hardness measurements (Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers)
– High temperature mechanical test
– Short fatigue cycle tests (dynamic axial and constant amplitude)
– FLD, FLC, r, n

We test according to international standards such as EN, ASTM and others.

Surface treatments and coatings used on aluminum products will affect their behavior, appearance and finish. Cindal R&D can simulate the effect of different treatments on a laboratory and pilot plant scale. Potential surface treatments include:

– Anodizing
– Shot blasting
– Chemical polishing
– Degreasing and pickling
– Electro-graining
– Electro -polishing
– Painting and conversion layers

Through techniques of characterization of new surfaces, measurements of laminated surfaces and topographic studies, – Cindal I + D can advise on the appropriate treatment for each application. Our surface characterization methods include:

– Abrasion resistance measurements
– Color measurements
– Topographic analysis
– Gloss and optical properties measurements
– Surface tension and contact angle
– Interferometric microscopy

With our leading experience and extensive range of equipment, Cindal R&D is positioned to help aluminum manufacturing and processing companies perfect their own processes and products.

Cindal R&D also offers an extensive program of training courses that are available to our customers.

Training

Cindal R&D offers training sessions to any employee in the aluminum sector.

While some courses are offered on a regular basis, others are offered on demand . The trainings can be provided at Cindal R&D facilities in Alicante (Spain) or at your location.

The training programs are led by our highly qualified team of researchers.

To learn more about the courses, click on the topic in the list below. We will keep you informed about the next training session.

Contact us
to learn more about
how our
Cindal R&D facility can help you.

+34 96 598 9543

Contact us

Advice
Objective

Cindal is certified to carry out objective chemical analysis of any aluminum material and tensile tests of any material for external industrial companies in accordance with the international standard UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 .

Contact us

Technical support

When our clients send us their questions, Cindal I + D carries out a complete analysis of the solution. This may include testing the alloy used, its processing, and the equipment in Aludium’s rolling mills.

Our team will look into this issue to determine the cause of the problem. Through our research we will develop recommendations and work with you to implement the required actions.

Contact us
to learn more about
how our
Cindal R&D facility can help you.

+34 96 598 9543

Contact us

Advice
Objective

Cindal is certified to carry out objective chemical analysis of any aluminum material and tensile tests of any material for external industrial companies in accordance with the international standard UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025 .

Contact us

Aludium Transportation hub to focus on mobility

Aludium Transportation will focus on aluminum applications in automotive, heavy truck, bus and rail. Our goal is to develop materials and components working with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. We do not want to be a mere supplier of raw materials, we want to provide Engineering and support service.

Our goal is to bring aluminum to a range widest range of automotive models. Until now aluminum has been limited to premium brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Range Rover. We want to take it one level further down.

Aluminum-rolled car mapping at Cindal R&D Center We have already launched development programs to explore cost-effective technologies that can make aluminum more attractive to OEMs in the world. middle price segment. Decorandum®, ISO Decorandum®, and Texturalndum (patent pending) are examples of products that we have already brought to market as part of this strategy. These products can go directly from the rolling mill to the vehicle.

Aludium Transportation is part of our Cindal R&D center, one of the leading and reference laboratories for aluminum research and development in Europe.

Laminated aluminum for truck thermal screens, developed at the Cindal R&D Center

Cindal does not understand aluminum only as a product, our R&D team knows how it should be done to to be able to respond perfectly during the processes that our customers will use.

Aludium has more than half a century of experience in transforming itself into a global supplier of markets for cosmetic packaging, caps and food cans. This gives us extensive knowledge of the behavior of aluminum in the forming and drawing processes. We have already applied this knowledge to help Tier 2 suppliers create the complex shapes required for automotive applications.

We plan to introduce more strategic collaborations with Tier 1 and 2 suppliers.

This will involve us in the early stages of development for new products, offering new solutions, and supporting our clients in all phases of the project. Aludium’s extensive knowledge of aluminum, coupled with our testing and analysis capabilities, makes us ideal partners for this type of project.

Hot rolled aluminum car component sample

< p> We want to offer solutions that replace steel or other materials with lighter weight aluminum alternatives. Weight reduction is a necessity in this industry to respond to more demanding regulations and create more sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility options.

We are certified as a supplier of aluminum materials under the quality standard ISO / TS16949 and we use advanced planning procedures for quality products (APQP).

Once we have started working with the component manufacturer, we jointly develop the necessary documentation such as the definition of the product and the process; the corresponding FMEAs; a validation plan to mitigate or eliminate risks; and we define the necessary steps to industrialize the product. Of course, we also give our clients all the technical support they need for the complete certification of the component.

If you need more information, please contact us.

Contact us to learn more about how our Cindal R&D facility can help you.

Advice
Purpose

Cindal is certified to carry out chemical analysis objectives of any aluminum material and tensile tests of any material for external industrial companies according to the international standard UNE-EN ISO / IEC 17025.

+34 96 598 9543

Contact us