Leading the Way in Sustainable Screening: AFT’s DiamondWire Technology
Sustainable Innovation in Screening: DiamondWire®
As industries worldwide face increasing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, those of us in the pulp and paper sector have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to innovate. At Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT), we took a long, hard look at one of the key challenges in screening technology: the use of hexavalent chromium as a wear protection surface treatment. While it has been the industry standard for decades, its environmental impact is undeniable, and alternatives are urgently needed.
This realization compelled us to think about the future. The result of our efforts is DiamondWire® technology—a proprietary, wear-resistant surface treatment that is both hexavalent chromium-free and built to last.
Why We Chose to Innovate
As engineers and innovators, we’re always looking for ways to improve performance and solve problems. The environmental concerns around chromium use were not something we could ignore. We understood the importance of developing a solution that would meet or exceed the durability and corrosion resistance of chrome while also addressing the need for a more sustainable alternative.
DiamondWire technology represents the culmination of several years of research and development. It’s a solution we’re proud of—not just because of what it achieves in terms of performance but because of the positive impact it has on both the environment and our customers’ operations.
What Makes DiamondWire Technology Unique
DiamondWire is more than just a replacement for chrome—it’s a step forward. This surface treatment is corrosion- and impact-resistant, extending the life of screening cylinders by over 20%, even in high-wear applications. The technology is now proven, with more than five years of field use demonstrating its reliability and value.
Our first application of DiamondWire technology was on the MacroFlow2 (MF2) wedgewire screen cylinders. These cylinders are a cornerstone of our screening product line and represent an incredible engineering feat. Each cylinder, ranging in size from 300 mm to 2 meters in diameter, is made up of thousands of small wires and connections—all without welds, ensuring perfect concentricity. This complexity made the MF2 cylinder the ideal candidate for introducing DiamondWire technology.
Benefits for Our Customers
The reaction from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. Mills using DiamondWire cylinders have reported at least 20% longer wear life, which translates to reduced downtime and cost savings. Beyond these operational benefits, the environmental and health advantages of eliminating hexavalent chromium resonate deeply with our partners. DiamondWire technology doesn’t just offer a technical solution, it provides a competitive edge in a marketplace that values sustainability.
A Commitment to Sustainability
At AFT, we’re not just reacting to the present; we’re planning for the future. While chrome plating may remain in limited use as industries transition, DiamondWire technology represents the new standard for us. With manufacturing facilities in Varkaus, Finland, and Sherbrooke, Canada, we’re equipped to bring this innovation to customers in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Asia is next on our roadmap, with our facilities in China and South Korea prepared to serve this growing market.
Looking Ahead
Launching DiamondWire technology is one of the most ambitious projects I’ve been part of at AFT, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved. The stakes were high, but the results speak for themselves. Mills are seeing measurable benefits, and we’ve positioned ourselves among the very few companies able to offer this level of innovation in hexavalent chromium-free screening technology.
As we move ahead, I look forward to sharing this breakthrough with more customers and industry leaders. If you’re attending industry events during this year, such as ABTCP in Brazil, ATIP in France, or MIAC in Italy, I encourage you to stop by and see what DiamondWire technology can do for your operations.
At AFT, we’ve always believed in pushing boundaries—and with DiamondWire, we’ve proven that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.
LEARN MORE ABOUT DIAMONDWIRE TECHNOLOGY
About the Author
Mathieu Hamelin, Senior Product Engineer, AFT
I joined Aikawa Fiber Technologies in 2008 and currently serve as Senior Product Engineer. My current project is the DiamondWire surface treatment, which I manage through close involvement in all phases of the work including product design, manufacturing reliability, continuous product improvement, and most importantly, mill performance and customer satisfaction. I previously led the GHC, GHC2, EP and EPX screen rotor projects These developments have earned a range of industry awards and are supported by over 20 patents and patent applications. Most importantly, the projects have helped AFT’s customers extend product lifetime, reduce fibre loss and save energy – on the order of 10 MW each year.