Wetenschappelijk & Technisch Onderzoeks- Centrum voor Diamant. Annual Report WTOCD Plaslaar 50, B-2500 LIER Tel: (03)

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1 Wetenschappelijk & Technisch Onderzoeks- Centrum voor Diamant WTOCD Plaslaar 50, B-2500 LIER Tel: (03) Annual Report

3 Contents 1 Management Organization of WTOCD Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/2014) Members of the Bestendig Comité Director of WTOCD Commissioners Research and service Introduction Research projects Grain independent polishing Lumisense Reflex EOSFancy Morgana Polishing tools M-Screen Service activities (TAD) Advice Intellectual property rights Website Page3

4 1 Management Organization of WTOCD 1.1 Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/2014) 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": mandate to be re-filled 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 One member manufacturer appointed by VKD Mr. CHR. VAN EYNDT One member appointed by VEV (Vice-President) Mr. S. COUVREUR (until 19/11/2014) Page4

5 1.1.4 Two members appointed by ABVV Textiel, Kleding en Diamant Mr. P. DE BACKER E. VERPLANCKEN Two members appointed by ACV-Transcom Mrs. M. DILLEN Mr. T. SIEMONS 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 (until 02/10/2014) Mr. P. VAN DER STEEN (from 02/10/2014) Vice-President: Mr. S. COUVREUR (until 19/11/2014) Mr. W. OLLECH W. RUYTHOOREN B. DE HANTSETTERS prof. H. REYNAERS M. DILLEN 1.3 Director of WTOCD Mr. Y. KERREMANS 1.4 Commissioners Mr. L. CORNELISSENS W. HENNEUSE Page5

2 Research and service 2.1 Introduction The activities of WTOCD can be divided in research and service.

tuning of the research topics of WTOCD to the specific needs of the sector.

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

Those set-ups are already tuned to usage in a production environment but do not yet contain all functionalities.

6 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 companies, but they also allow tuning of the research topics of WTOCD to the specific needs of the sector. Within the framework of the research activities in 2014, following research topics can be identified: processing (Wasasonafhankelijk Slijpen, EOS Fancy en slijptools); measuring and evaluation (Lumisense, Reflex en Morgana); screening (M-Screen). From rough to polished To optimize the transition from a lab version to a commercial product WTOCD uses socalled pre-prototypes. Those set-ups are already tuned to usage in a production environment 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 trajectory from lab version to commercial product is shortened considerably by this early fine tuning to practical use in the diamond sector. Development trajectory from lab version to commercial product Page6

7 In this annual report the research and service activities in 2014 are described. More information can be found on The TAD-activity (Technologische Adviesdienst) of WTOCD is no longer financially supported by IWT. Due to the necessity of this activity WTOCD decided to continue this service without external financing. The service activities (TAD) of the research centre are delivered 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). Page7

2.2 Research projects 2.2.1 Grain independent polishing Description In the classical polishing process, crystal orientation of the diamond determines the removal rate.

8 2.2 Research projects Grain independent polishing Description In the classical polishing process, crystal orientation of the diamond determines the removal rate. Therefore it is necessary to find the appropriate polishing direction, which requires special skills 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 2014 the research focus was set on the development of a full automatic prototype of a polishing device based on the previous project results, experience and wishes of the potential users. The prototype will automatically process a planned rough diamond into a windowed result with defined excess. The polishing device is developed in co-operation with Coborn Engineering Ltd. Parallel to the development the research to achieve optical surface quality in an automatic polishing process was continued. Finally, in 2014, WTOCD has provided a license to Coborn Engineering Ltd. to use Grain Independent Polishing technology for a new polishing device for industrial super hard diamond based materials. Target Group Gem diamond industry and other industrial applications of diamond More information Computer presentation of WOSCAM Page8

2.2.2 Lumisense Description Lumisense aims at automating the colour grading process of polished diamonds. The classical method is based on visual observation.

9 2.2.2 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 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 In 2014 the measuring software of Lumisense was adapted to the optimized method for color grading of HRD Antwerp. WTOCD also improved the user software and a new calibration method was developed. Target Group Gem diamond trade More information Diamond in Lumisense Page9

10 2.2.3 Reflex Description All commercial proportion measuring systems for polished diamonds make use of the socalled shadow image technique. The accuracy and repeatability of the measurement depends 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 2014 the general report for fancy was updated with additional data, such as length, width of the girdle and table, height of the girdle, upper and lower side. The software was updated to the newest image processing library. The devices in the Antwerp industry are maintained and supported. Target Group Gem diamond industry and trade More information Example of a Reflex-report for fancy shapes. Page10

The original EOS-device has been used, so minimal mechanical adjustments are required. Activities In 2014 the four partner companies with a pre-prototype were further supported.

11 2.2.4 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 are necessary. The original EOS-device has been used, so minimal mechanical adjustments are required. Activities In 2014 the four partner companies with a pre-prototype were further supported. During the first and second quarter of the year intensive support was given to HRD Antwerp Equipment regarding problems with the manufacturing of the new EOS devices. To that aim an extensive study was done to survey the reasons of the problems. In addition to a report with clear advice, a software tool was developed to accomplish efficient and consistent QC-tests on new produced devices. Further advice was given regarding the commercial redesign of the EOS cutting device for round and fancy shaped diamonds. During the last quarter, contacts were made with OGI Systems Ltd for the development of a transfer function from the OGI planning software for rough diamonds to the EOSFancy software. Testing and release of the new transfer function is planned for the first half of Target Group Gem diamond industry EOSFancy Page11

2.2.5 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.

12 2.2.5 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 waste of precious time. WTOCD developed a product group that offers a series of tools to the polisher. Four applications 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 2014 WTOCD produced a setting unit to take into account material to be removed. The pre-prototype is put in test in the diamond industry. Target Group Gem diamond industry Morgana Page12

13 2.2.6 Polishing tools Description The requirements for the polishing process of gem diamonds increases continuously. To meet the required accuracies, the polishers need optimized tools for the polishing process as well as to evaluate and follow up the polishing results. WTOCD researches two topics to reach an optimal situation in a production environment: a tang plate with improved alignment options and limited wear scaifes with improved flatness for material removal and for zoeten ; Activities Tang Plates In 2014 the focus was set on the evaluation of the achieved results from the industrial tests and on the development of a final product ready for the industry. Several dimensional corrections are worked out and tested in a production environment. The proposed final product was evaluated positive by the users and will be taken into production in 2015, the commercial name will be CAMLANN. Scaifs As a result of the manufacturing process scaifs run conical to the center, and this makes the polishing process more difficult. During 2014 several alternative processing methods for the scaifs were analyzed, tested and evaluated by the industry. A perfect flatness of the scaifs was achieved with a good absorption of the polishing medium (zoetpasta). End 2014 WTOCD has bought several scaifs and prepared them with the new method to test extensively and on the long term in cooperation with the industry. Target Group Gem diamond industry CAMLANN-tang plate Page13

2.2.7 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.

14 2.2.7 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 diamonds 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 of at least 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 In 2014 WTOCD worked with the highest priority on M-Screen, an automatic batch screener of melee diamonds. The different aspects were examined and elaborated: feeding, detection of simulants, screening for potential synthetic and HPHT-color enhanced diamond, separation and general conditioning. Research showed that automatic screening of melee diamond from 1 point is possible with a speed of at least 1 diamond per second Early 2015 an arrangement will be available for extensive in-house testing in Lier. During the first quarter of 2015 a pre-prototype is planned for testing in Antwerp. Target Group Gem diamond trade Functional principle of M-Screen Page14

2.3 Service activities (TAD) 2.3.1 Advice Annual Report 2014 Description The TAD service is not financially supported any more in this form by IWT.

15 2.3 Service activities (TAD) Advice Annual Report 2014 Description The TAD service is not financially supported any more in this form by IWT. Due to the necessity of this activity WTOCD decided to continue this service without external financing. Activities In 2014 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. 115 t/m 121). Promotional articles were published on Lamia Tangpin. The introduction of new techniques was supported in following fields: o o o o o o o EOSFancy; AvalonPlus; Reflex; WOS; Morgana; Lamia tangpin; Camlann tangplate. Questions from the sector were answered in the form of technological advice. More information Article Lamia, meer dan gewoon een tangpin in SBD Magazine Page15

16 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 advice in case of possible infringement of intellectual property rights. Activities In 2014 the State of the Art service reported, in its monthly mailing, new patent applications or grants related to diamond. A subscription form is available on More information Example of a diamond related patent in the State of the art mailing service Page16

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.

Because of the priority projects, the launching of the website was postponed to 2015. Except from the standard maintenance no significant changes were made to the website.

17 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 2014 WTOCD started with a renewal of the website. Because of the priority projects, the launching of the website was postponed to Except from the standard maintenance no significant changes were made to the website. The number of visitors increased by 6% of which 22% recurring and 78% new visitors. The main topics are Hearts & Arrows, D-Screen and Lumisense. Given the further increase compared to last year (6.7% in 2013) the launching of a renewal of the website with an increased interactivity is necessary to boost the number of visitors. Monthly number of visitors - Geographical distribution of visitors Analysis of the numbers of visitors of the website Page17

20 Research and Innovation in all its facets

eos fancy The perfect girdle for all shapes

eos fancy The perfect girdle for all shapes www.hrdantwerp.be eos fancy eos Fancy Introduction Since the introduction of EOS bruting machines, round stones are no longer girdled by means of traditional machines or procedures. In recent years, the