In her master’s thesis, Harshita Nagula examined the selection of suitable sensor technology at the Barchfeld plant of the Swiss Oerlikon Group to ensure optimal processing parameters for tungsten carbide-cobalt powder.
Among other things, the company specializes in thermal surface coating up to a maximum of 0.2 millimeters using high-speed flame spraying. After thermal spraying, these powders produce hard and wear-resistant coatings for tools and rollers. They are manufactured using technologically advanced processes at Oerlikon’s Thuringia facility.
However, as a strategically important metal, tungsten is expensive because it is in extremely high demand and approximately 80 percent of its supply is controlled by China. Sensor technology and digital twins enable better quality and higher yield of the powder. In her master’s thesis, Harshita Nagula analyzed extensive sensor data on the condition of wear parts to obtain more tungsten carbide powder. This allows the company to save enormous costs.
Professor Annett Dorner-Reisel and Dr. Johannes Rauch supervised the master’s thesis both on-site and at the university.