Functional lacquers

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Functionalized powders – Designed for high-performance applications

For over twenty years, HEF has specialized in the design and functionalization of high value-added powders. We create powders tailored to your specifications for applications in additive manufacturing, sintering, Cold Spray, and more. Our multi-material powders are produced through dry processes (PVD, OMCVD, thermochemical treatments) or wet processes (electrolytic, sol-gel). Functionalization can be applied partially, fully, or integrated into the core of the base powder.

Multi-material functional powders for enhanced performance

HEF develops functional powders that improve surface properties such as hardness, lubrication, conductivity, diffusion barrier, corrosion resistance, and wettability. The use of functionalized powders allows the creation of composite materials with uniform and unique microstructures.

Our powders are designed through surface modification (coating) or core treatment of a base powder, using advanced techniques such as fluidized bed or mechanical synthesis. Depending on the application, the powders can be configured as:

Metal/metal
Ceramic/metal
Metal/polymer
Single or multi-layer functionalization

We can produce powders of any morphology to meet your technical requirements.

Customized solutions for specific applications

Polymer core welding balls

Thanks to a collaboration with Thales, HEF developed polymer core solder balls to extend the service life of electrical contacts, especially in BGAs on printed circuit boards.

Benefits:

Reduction of thermomechanical stress
Increased reliability and repairability
Compatibility with solder reflow according to IPC-J-STD-001
Miniaturization possibilities
Flexible design with adapted coatings
Controlled standoff height (+/-5%)

Key advantages:

Controlled collapse height to ensure PCB coplanarity
High thermomechanical resistance compared to traditional solder balls
Improvement of component life cycle by up to 40%
Compatible with solder reflow processes and solder paste

Diameter range: 280 µm – 800 µm

Industrial applications

HEF works with the aerospace, automotive, railway, naval, defense, luxury, and medical sectors. We develop and produce innovative powders that meet our customers’ most demanding specifications.

Custom technical powder coatings

We also develop thermosetting powder coatings with specific functional properties, applied by fluidized bed or spraying. These coatings represent a sustainable alternative to liquid paints, without volatile organic compounds, and can offer:

Electrical or thermal conductivity
Dielectric properties
Fire resistance
Corrosion protection
Decorative or chemical-resistant finishes
Self-lubrication

As additive manufacturing technologies expand, HEF supports the market by offering a wide range of multi-material powders tailored to specific applications, including metal/metal, metal/ceramic, and metal/polymer combinations.

Conclusion

HEF offers fully integrated services, from formulation and production to the application of functionalized powders, guaranteeing complete and customized solutions for demanding industrial applications.