Annual Report

2013

Wetenschappelijk & Technisch Onderzoeks- Centrum voor Diamant

WTOCD Plaslaar 50, B-2500 LIER

Tel: (03) 488 06 09

Fax: (03) 488 30 18

www.wtocd.be

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CCoonntteennttss

1 Management Organization of WTOCD ......................................................... 4

1.1 Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/13) .............................................................. 4

1.2 Members of the Bestendig Comité ............................................................................. 5

1.3 Director of WTOCD ................................................................................................... 5

1.4 Commissioners ........................................................................................................... 5

2 Research and service ............................................................................................ 6

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Research projects ........................................................................................................ 8 2.2.1 Grain independent polishing ......................................................................................... 8 2.2.2 AvalonPlus .................................................................................................................... 9 2.2.3 Lumisense ................................................................................................................... 10 2.2.4 Reflex .......................................................................................................................... 11 2.2.5 EOSFancy ................................................................................................................... 12 2.2.6 Morgana ...................................................................................................................... 13 2.2.7 Polishing tools ............................................................................................................. 14 2.2.8 M-Screen ..................................................................................................................... 15

2.3 Service activities (TAD) ........................................................................................... 16 2.3.1 Advice ......................................................................................................................... 16 2.3.2 Intellectual property rights .......................................................................................... 17 2.3.3 Website ........................................................................................................................ 18

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1 Management Organization of WTOCD

1.1 Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/13)

1.1.1 Fifteen members appointed by SBD

On behalf of "Syndicaat der Belgische Diamantnijverheid bv”:

Mr. E. DENCKENS (President) W. OLLECH P. VAN DER STEEN J. VAN EYCK B. DE HANTSETTERS A. VERHAERE S. FISCHLER

On behalf of "Vereniging van Kempische Diamantwerkgevers vzw": Mr. W. RUYTHOOREN

On behalf of "Antwerpsche Diamantkring cvba":

Mr. M. APSEL

On behalf of "Beurs voor Diamanthandel cvba": Mr. K. BAKHAI

On behalf of "Diamantclub van Antwerpen cvba":

Mr. K. SMETS

On behalf of "Vrije Diamanthandel nv": Mr. J. DRYBOOMS

On behalf of "Belgische Vereniging van Handelaars, In- en Uitvoerders van

Geslepen Diamant bv": Mr. R. KIEK (until 19/06/13)

On behalf of "Groepering der Industriediamantfirma's in België bv":

Mr. Ch. CYTO

On behalf of "Vereniging van Handelaars in Ruwe Diamant bv": Mr. R. STEIGRAD

1.1.2 One member manufacturer appointed by VKD

Mr. CHR. VAN EYNDT

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1.1.3 One member appointed by VEV (Vice-President)

Mr. G. BRYS (until March 2013)

S. COUVREUR (starting April 2013)

1.1.4 Two members appointed by ABVV Textiel, Kleding en Diamant

Mr. P. DE BACKER E. VERPLANCKEN

1.1.5 Two members appointed by ACV-Transcom

Mrs. M. DILLEN Mr. T. SIEMONS

1.1.6 Six members with exceptional knowledge in the field of scientific and

technological research

Three members appointed by Syndicaat der Belgische Diamantnijverheid: Mr. Prof. P. CLAUWS

Prof. G. VAN TENDELOO Prof. D. POELMAN

Three members appointed by IWT:

Mr. Prof. D. SCHOEMAKER Prof. J. VAN LANDUYT

Prof. H. REYNAERS

1.2 Members of the Bestendig Comité

President: Mr. E. DENCKENS

Vice-President: Mr. G. BRYS (until March 2013) S. COUVREUR (starting April 2013)

Mr. W. OLLECH W. RUYTHOOREN B. DE HANTSETTERS prof. H. REYNAERS

P. DE BACKER

1.3 Director of WTOCD

Mr. Y. KERREMANS

1.4 Commissioners

Mr. L. CORNELISSENS W. HENNEUSE

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From rough to polished

Development trajectory from lab version to commercial product

2 Research and service

2.1 Introduction

The activities of WTOCD can be divided in research and service. The service activities are an efficient means to offer solutions to questions coming directly from diamond compa-nies, but they also allow tuning the research topics of WTOCD to the specific needs of the sector. Within the framework of the research activities in 2013, following research topics can be identified:

processing (Wasasonafhankelijk Slijpen, EOS Fancy en slijptools); measuring and evaluation (AvalonPlus, Lumisense, Reflex en Morgana); screening (M-Screen).

To optimize the transition from a lab version to a commercial product WTOCD uses so-called pre-prototypes. Those set-ups are already tuned to usage in a production environ-ment but do not yet contain all functionalities. The pre-prototypes are tested in the field and fine-tuned in close collaboration with a limited user group. The development trajec-tory from lab version to commercial product is shortened considerably by this early fine tuning to practical use in the diamond sector.

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In this annual report the research and service activities in 2013 are described. More in-formation can be found on www.wtocd.be. The TAD-activity (Technologische Adviesdienst) of WTOCD is no longer financially sup-ported by IWT. Due to the necessity of this activity WTOCD decided to continue this ser-vice without external financing. The service activities (TAD) of the research centre are de-livered in the form of an advice service, a patent service and the website. WTOCD also supported the different departments of HRD Antwerp (Equipment, Diamond Lab and Research).

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2.2 Research projects

2.2.1 Grain independent polishing

Description In the classical polishing process, crystal orientation of the diamond determines the re-moval rate. Therefore it is necessary to find the appropriate polishing direction, which re-quires a special skill of the polisher. The classical polishing process also imposes technical restrictions because of the substantial rise in temperature in the polishing zone.

The project Grain Independent Polishing of Diamond aims to optimize a new polishing technique. Special attention is given to high material removal rate at low temperature and grain independency of the process.

Activities In 2013 the research focus was set on achieving optical surface quality in the automatic polishing process. The aim was to realize this in a cooled environment to keep all benefits of the cold and safe WOS-technology

In close cooperation with the manufacturers of the polishing disks, WTOCD has tested dif-ferent scaif parameters to determine the optimal composition of the polishing medium.

Parallel to the tests for WOS-zoeten, feasibility tests were performed for WOS-roughing. The tests are part of the preparation for the development of a prototype for automatic roughing and windowing (WOSCAM-project). The core of this research is to proof the du-rability of the process in an automatic setup. The achieved results were positively rated by the representatives of the industry. A removal rate of 8ct/h was obtained, about 18x faster than the rate of the classic polishing process.

Target Group Gem diamond industry and other industrial applications of diamond More information http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/GIP.html

Positive evaluation of the results of polishing on the automatic test bench

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2.2.2 AvalonPlus

Description The ‘zoetheid’ of a polished facet reflects the visibility of polishing lines. The ‘zoetheid’ is graded by optical inspection. This project aims to establish a mathematical definition for the ‘zoetheid’ of a polished facet. The results are applied in the AvalonPlus device. That successor of the previous generation Avalon can not only quantify ‘zoetheid’ and other external features but also the geometry of a facet being polished. Activities In 2013 the further commercialisation of AvalonPlus (types HighRes en Medium) was handed over to HRD Antwerp Equipment. The calibration software has been optimized in order to simplify the procedures and to speed up the calibration procedures. The option to retain images was reworked completely, leading to an update of the user software. In 2013 WTOCD developed at request of the industry a custom made AvalonPlus Max to enable geometry measurements on larger stones up to 40 ct. Three copies of AvalonPlus Max are in use. In 2013 AvalonPlus, together with Morgana (see 2.2.6) and Reflex (see 2.2.4), was used in a feasibility study on behalf of a third party. The results of the initial theoretical study were confirmed in practice by the precise measurement capabilities of AvalonPlus. Target Group Gem diamond industry and trade More information http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/polish.html

AvalonPlus

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2.2.3 Lumisense

Description

Lumisense aims at automating the colour grading process of polished diamonds. The classical method is based on visual observation. By using new technologies, Lumisense produces an extremely high correlation with the human colour grading, better than other systems. Lumisense is not restricted by fluorescence nor by the type of diamond and it can reveal the slightest changes in hues of colour. Activities WTOCD produced four new Lumisense devices commissioned by HRD Antwerp for use abroad. Mechanics, hardware and software of these devices were provided with additional security. A Lumisense device was revised for use in the HRD Lab in Istanbul. In 2013 elaborated tests were executed to expand the current colour range to tinted col-ours. The implementation of the colour range enlargement is foreseen for 2014. In the autumn of 2013, the use of Lumisense was expanded with the ‘Love100’ shape. To that aim the necessary software development and qualification tests were performed. Target Group Gem diamond trade More information http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/lumisense.html

Love100 in Lumisense

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2.2.4 Reflex

Description All commercial proportion measuring systems for polished diamonds make use of the so-called shadow image technique. The accuracy and repeatability of the measurement de-pends largely on the limitations of this method. The aim of Reflex is to develop a measuring device that can measure polished stones with a much higher accuracy and repeatability. Activities In 2013 a fourth pre-prototype of Reflex was placed in the sector. The use of these four pre-prototypes yielded essential feedback to optimize the software to the needs of the users. In particular the reporting was extended and adapted to the input of the users. At the request of the diamond companies, it was made possible to easily measure rough regions of the stone that have not been completely finished. Target Group Gem diamond industry and trade More information http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/reflex.html

Example of Reflex reporting

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2.2.5 EOSFancy

Description EOSFancy will make it possible to produce fancy shaped cuts in a (semi-)automatic way on a WTOCD EOS machine. Curved and linear girdles, and combinations of both, can be produced. Only a software upgrade and a more performing PC with a larger screen on the original EOS device are necessary. The original EOS-device has been reused, so minimal mechanical adjustments are required.

Activities In 2013 the four partner companies with a pre-prototype were further supported. During the first quarter of the year the DSP-software was adjusted. That resulted in a higher ab-solute accuracy of the fancy shapes cut with EOSFancy. During the first half of 2013 the development of a commercial version was realized. Me-dio 2013 EOSFancy was launched by HRD Equipment and the first devices were delivered to the Antwerp diamond industry. WTOCD provided the necessary support and education to HRD Equipment. Together with an Antwerp diamond company, contacts were made with Sarine Diamond Technologies to develop a transfer function from the Sarine Advisor planning software to the EOSFancy Software. This transfer function has been tested by the industry during the third and fourth quarter of the year. The adjustments that were made are based on the feedback of the industry. At the end of 2013 EOSFancy was presented by HRD Equipment under great interest in Surat at the first edition of the “Gem and Jewellery machinery expo”. Target Group Gem diamond industry

EOSFancy

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2.2.6 Morgana

Description Traditionally a level is used to align tang plates to the scaife. Polishing tangs are also equipped with a level to monitor the position of the grain axis. This working method is not only cumbersome but also inaccurate leading to a waist of precious time. WTOCD developed a product group that offers a series of tools to the polisher. Four appli-cations can be identified:

the alignment of tang plates relative to the polishing scaife; the monitoring of the grain axis during the polishing process; the alignment of a facet on the polishing scaife; the checking of the setting of the stone in the tang.

Activities During 2013 WTOCD supported HRD Antwerp in the production of the first 10 Morgana devices. WTOCD conducted further research into additional applications and adaptations of Mor-gana:

setting unit to take into account material to be removed adapted support for very large stones adapted support for polishing mills with a difference in height between the tang

plate and the scaife Target Group Gem diamond industry

Morgana

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2.2.7 Polishing tools

Description With the development of Morgana the polisher can not only align faster and more accu-rate but also identify poorly functioning scaifes. Worn tang plates and tang pins and un-flatness of the scaif often prevent to obtain an optimal polishing setup. WTOCD researches a group of tools for the polisher to reach an optimal situation. Three topics are considered:

tang pin with limited wear and easy adjustable in position and length;

tang plate with limited wear and improved alignment options;

scaifes with improved flatness.

Activities Lamia In 2013 a new tang pin was developed and tested. A production dossier was composed for HRD Antwerp. Camlann In 2013 a tang plate was developed that can be easily aligned. This tang plate was tested extensively in the industry. To limit the wear several versions were placed in the industry to pass endurance tests. Scaifs It is known that scaifes run a little conical to the centre. It is the result of the lapping process that is used. Scaifs with an improved flatness may contribute to a better polish-ing process. Research and testing were started. Target Group Gem diamond industry

Lamia tangpin

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2.2.8 M-Screen

Description For the detection of synthetic and/or colour enhanced diamond one appeals to a diamond lab which has the necessary specialist knowledge and equipment. Screening devices allow in certain cases to differentiate between natural untreated dia-monds on the one hand and potential synthetic and/or colour improved diamond on the other hand. The existing devices are manually operated and developed for diamonds be-tween 10 to 20 points. Practice shows that they are not suitable to screen batches of little stones. Therefore WTOCD started with the development of M-screen, an automatic, fast batch screener for melee from 1 point and up.

Activities At the end of 2013 WTOCD started with a feasibility study to develop the 5 aspects of an automatic batch screener: supply, detection of simulants, screening of potential synthetic and HPHT-color improved diamond, separation and general conditioning. Target Group Gem diamond trade

Functional principle of M-Screen

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2.3 Service activities (TAD)

2.3.1 Advice

Description The TAD service is not financially supported any more in this form by IWT. Due to the ne-cessity of this activity WTOCD decided to continue this service without external financing. Activities In 2013 approximately 1 FTE was spent on the TAD-activity:

The “State of the art mailing list” – giving information on patents related to the diamond sector – was distributed (no. 104 t/m 114).

Promotional articles were published on Morgana and EOSFancy.

The introduction of new techniques was supported in following fields:

o EOSFancy; o AvalonPlus; o Reflex; o WOS; o Morgana; o Lamia tangpin.

Questions from the sector were answered in the form of technological advice.

More information http://www.wtocd.be/nl/TAD/tad-main.html

Article “Morgana, een onmisbaar instrument voor de slijper” in SBD Magazine

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2.3.2 Intellectual property rights

Description Via its TAD service, WTOCD informs the diamond industry on diamond-related patents. It assists diamantaires to apply for patents, trademarks and design patents and gives ad-vice in case of possible infringement of intellectual property rights. Activities In 2013 the “State of the Art” service reported, in its monthly mailing, new patent appli-cations or grants related to diamond. A subscription form is available on http://www.wtocd.be/en/TAD/fullquestionform.html. More information

http://www.wtocd.be/nl/TAD/patents.html

Example of a diamond related patent in the State of the art mailing service

WO2013160500A1: Method for improving optical contrast in the production of nanoscale etch-

ings

Applicant: Universidad De Cádiz Spain

Publication: 2013-10-31

Filed: 2013-04-15

Status: application

The invention relates to a method for improving optical contrast in the production of nanoscale etch-

ings. The marking of precious stones and other crystals by nanoetching is very important in jewellery

in order to enable the strict control thereof during the distribution, buying and selling thereof. In addi-

tion, said technique makes it possible to convert the jewellery into exclusive pieces and/or to add sen-

timental value by carefully selecting the pattern to be etched onto same. However, given the translu-

cent nature of most precious stones, nanoetchings are not optimised for viewing by optical means.

The invention aims to improve the optical contrast of nanoetchings made in precious stones by means

of depositing materials into the nanoetching, preferably precious metals. Said improvement is possi-

ble since the deposition of an opaque material increases the reflection and absorption of light relative

to the translucent stone and/or since depositing nanostructured metals can produce plasmonic effects.

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2.3.3 Website

Description

The website of WTOCD informs on current research projects and the results of previous projects that led to ready-to-use solutions or services. Some projects are extensively documented, others have a non-disclosure status and are only described by an identity kit. Activities In 2013 no significant changes were made to the website except for standard mainte-nance. The number of visitors increased by 8% of which 24% recurring and 76% new vis-itors. The main topics are Hearts & Arrows, D-Screen en WOS. Because the lower in-crease compared to last year (20.8%) an action plan was composed to augment the number of visitors and to anchor the visitors by increasing the interactivity. The final re-lease of a number of products at the end of 2013 was also a reason to start with the revi-sion and expansion of the website. The launch is expected around the fourth quarter of 2014.

Analysis of the numbers of visitors of the website

www.wtocd.be - Geographical distribution of visitors

www.wtocd.be – Monthly number of visitors

Research and Innovation

in all its facets

www.wtocd.be