Facilities and equipment

We have a 3D printing laboratory where we carry out activities to obtain filaments of functional materials for 3D printing, as well as manufacturing prototype parts. • We define the optimal conditions for FDM 3D printing of commercial materials and new formulations (filament or chippings) • We perform FDM 3D printing tests of new formulations, based on filaments or chippings. • We manufacture laboratory scale batches of calibrated filament (1.75 and 2.85mm) from chippings. • We manufacture short series of FDM parts. • We design and assemble sets manufactured using FDM.
Key Equipment
• 3D dual filament/chipping printer, Tumaker NX Pro
• 3D printer with enclosed chamber/large dimensions/3 extruders, 3NTR A2
• 3D filament manufacturing equipment, 3DEVO

Treatment of material flows from all types of post-consumer and pre-consumer waste: packaging, end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), construction and demolition waste (CDW), composites, textiles, emerging waste, etc. Recycling technologies are researched, applied, evaluated and adapted to separate materials from these waste flows once they have been characterised and conditioned. The final objective is to design and evaluate specific recycling processes to obtain recovered material fractions of the highest quality that can be returned to the economic cycles.
Key Equipment
• Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) camera, on a conveyor belt
• LIBS pilot plant, laser induced emission spectroscopy
• Raman spectroscopy for the identification of plastics

We develop processes for the chemical recycling of plastics and to obtain compounds of industrial interest and thus provide added value and competitiveness to our customers' processes. We analyse the performance of plastics, biomass and complex waste in solvolysis, pyrolysis and gasification processes, the optimisation of reaction conditions. We evaluate the efficiency of various catalysts and the scaling of processes, as well as the study and optimisation of process variables.
Key Equipment
• High-pressure, high-temperature chemical reactors
• Pyrolysis pilot plant
• SSP reactor, solid-state polymerisation

We perform the formulation, application and characterisation of organic coatings. We adjust formulations by working with water-based, solvent-based and solvent-free systems, with thermal, UV and dual curing. We offer full characterisation of paints and coatings in the formulation and application stages, as well as final product testing. To do so, we conduct tests to characterise the composition, liquid formulation, liquid film and dry film. We also have a preparation , application with spray painting and cabin curing area, where we perform painting and pre-series tests for the evaluation and validation of new components or formulations.
Equipment:
• Laboratory-scale reactors.
• •"Cowles” high shear dispersing and mixing equipment with milling basket.

Reaction to fire laboratory accredited by ENAC (ISO 17025) for the classification of products s/n EN 13501-1 for the construction sector (Euroclasses), and EN 45545-2 for the classification of products for railway construction. The laboratory is accredited by ENAC and the European ILAC-MRA. The testing laboratory is also recognised by CERTIFER for the Railway sector and the AENOR CTC-020 Technical Certification Committee for thermal insulation. Member of EGOLF and the CTE-DB-SI Technical Commission coordinated by the Ministry of Public Works.
Key Equipment
• SBI (EN 13823)
• Cone calorimetry
(EN ISO 5660-1)
• Smoke density
(EN ISO 5659-2)

We identify the chemical composition of polymeric materials. Combining spectroscopic (FTIR) and thermal analysis techniques (TGA, DSC, ...), the type of polymer (thermoplastics, thermosetting resins or elastomers), the type of filler or reinforcement and its quantification is determined.
We also perform:
• Kinetic studies of curing and degradation reactions.
• Determination of oxidation induction time and temperature in PE pipes
Key equipment:
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR
• Differential Scanning Calorimeter, DSC
• Thermogravimetric analyser, TGA

We use this laboratory for the mechanical characterisation of composites and functional polymers. We have two universal machines (100 KN and 10KN) with the possibility of attaching a climatic chamber that enables tests to be carried out from -70°C to 280°C.
We are accredited by ENAC in tensile (resistance and modulus as per UNE EN ISO 527), flexion (UNE EN ISO 14125) and tank and vessel testing (UNE EN 13121-3 Annexes D2, D5-D6, D7, D8, D19).
Other tests
• Compressive strength and modulus
• Interlaminar strength
• Adhesion
• Bearing
• Creep
• Charpy and Izod impact resistance
• Electromechanical testing for materials with resistive, piezoresistive and piezoelectric properties
Key equipment:
• Universal Machines
• Video Extensometer
• Climatic Chamber

In this laboratory, we characterise the rheological properties of fluids, resins and thermoplastics, covering the entire range of shear speeds of industrial plastic processing equipment. Different types of samples, such as liquid-solid dispersions, pastes, paints, creams, syrups and especially molten plastics are characterised and monitored at this laboratory. The magnitudes assessed include: comparative viscosity-shear speed curves, complex and zero-shear viscosity, the loss and storage modulus or the flow activation energy.
Key Equipment
• Plate-plate rotational rheometer
• Minilab microcompounder rheometer with flat band sensor (In-situ mixing and monitoring of thermoplastic compounds)
• Capillary rheometer (viscosity curves of high shear thermoplastic compounds)