Tanaka’s recovery solution makes more of PGMs

Tanaka has established an innovative way to recover platinum group metals (PGM) using a new jig cleaning method.

Tanaka Green Shield system is a base preparation method whereby nickel plating is applied to an adhesion-preventing plate prior to use. After using a plate in a sputtering process, only the nickel plate coating between the adhesion-preventing plate and PGM’s sputtered film is dissolved.

Platinum, palladium and other PGMs in various compositions can easily be detached from the plate without damaging the base material. Another claimed benefit is that this recovery method is cheaper.

Recovered PGMs are refined and returned to the customer with the precision-cleaned components. ‘The new cleaning method takes advantage of a unique Tanaka technology related to base plating,’ the company explains.

It says Green Shield supports a wide variety of component shapes and sizes. The innovation has the potential to expand PGM film recovery rates by six times the current level by 2025.

Tanaka is looking to develop more circular precious metal supply systems.