Brilliant progress: First tank section of the new Alvarez successfully copper-plated
09.12.2024 |
After a successful test phase, the new electroplating facility at GSI/FAIR has now completed its first order: A new-generation Alvarez tank section was successfully copper plated. The state-of-the-art facility impresses with its exceptionally large pools and was recently commissioned after three years of construction. The baths are among the largest of their kind in the world and are specially designed to coat large components.
The plating system is capable of coating large components, such as the new UNILAC cavities, with precise and evenly distributed copper layers. The Alvarez tank, which measures approximately 2.2 x 2.4 metres, has undergone a special multi-stage process to ensure that the copper adheres perfectly and shines, thus enabling the accelerator to perform at its maximum. Electroplating the components is a complex and demanding process, as the coated surfaces must meet the highest quality requirements to ensure the efficiency and performance of the accelerator.
The commissioning of the electroplating facility is an important step in the thorough modernization of the UNILAC accelerator, which will serve as the pre-accelerator for FAIR. As part of a comprehensive package of upgrades to meet the high beam quality requirements for FAIR, the Alvarez accelerator structure, a central part of UNILAC, will be renewed and equipped with new cavities. Over the next few years, a total of 25 tanks and 10 end flanges will be coated in this way at GSI. (JL)
