DiamondWire Treatment - Extended Lifetime for Cylinders

We’re pleased to share with you an interview originally published by Puunvuoro magazine, where our Product Director Kimmo Nurminen discusses AFT’s latest surface treatment innovation — DiamondWire® Technology. Read the full article here below.

AFT has been developing surface treatment for its products in the pulp and paper industry for several years. 

“In fact, our plant in Canada has been using DiamondWire® surface treatment for a few years already. In Finland, AFT began surface treatment for MF2™ Wedgewire cylinders last year at the Varkaus plant. The new surface treatment has proven to be superior in every way compared to previous methods, the most common of which has been chrome plating,” says Kimmo Nurminen, Product Director at AFT.

”We still use chrome plating in AFT products, but over the years, we have recognized its challenges, especially concerning hexavalent chromium. According to current safety and environmental protection standards, hexavalent chromium is classified as a carcinogen. With this new surface treatment technology, we aim to provide added value to our customers by improving sustainability and enhancing the quality and performance of our products. At the same time, we are looking further into the future as we develop our offerings.”

AFT notes that the European Union has tightened regulations on chrome plating year by year, continuously shortening the validity period of permits. In some industries, chrome plating has been completely phased out.

”I want to emphasize that chrome plating is a good method, but we need to consider how we can remain competitive as market conditions evolve. After several years of development, we have introduced a new surface treatment process that was implemented at our Canadian plant a couple of years ago mainly for the North American market and last year at the Varkaus plant in Finland to first serve the European market. With DiamondWire® surface treatment, we guarantee a longer lifespan for cylinders compared to chrome plating,” promises Kimmo Nurminen.

”The MF2 cylinder is a flagship product in AFT’s screening family and a key component for our customers. We believe it remains the most dimensionally precise wedgewire cylinder on the market. This accuracy is achieved through our laser-cut rings and robotic wire placement, ensuring exceptional cutting precision without welded wire joints. Furthermore, the production process is fully automated. In the future, we will continue to develop DiamondWire® technology by exploring new applications to expand our product range.”

”The technology we use is known in other industries, but AFT is the only company that has successfully applied it to such demanding surfaces. Our manufacturing process is patented. Customer measurements show that this surface treatment enhances the efficiency and longevity of pressure screens. We have already delivered cylinders with the new treatment to customers in Finland, and as production stabilizes, deliveries will increase,” Kimmo Nurminen confirms.

Puunvuoro article by Leif Lindberg