Wetenschappelijk &

Technisch
Onderzoeks-
Centrum voor
Diamant Annual Report
WTOCD
Plaslaar 50, B-2500 LIER
2014
Tel: (03) 488 06 09

www.wtocd.be
 Annual Report 2014

Contents

1 Management Organization of WTOCD......................................................... 4

1.1 Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/2014) .......................................................... 4
1.2 Members of the Bestendig Comité ............................................................................. 5
1.3 Director of WTOCD................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Commissioners ........................................................................................................... 5

2 Research and service ............................................................................................ 6

2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Research projects ........................................................................................................ 8
2.2.1 Grain independent polishing ......................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Lumisense ..................................................................................................................... 9
2.2.3 Reflex .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 EOSFancy ................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.5 Morgana ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.2.6 Polishing tools ............................................................................................................. 13
2.2.7 M-Screen ..................................................................................................................... 14
2.3 Service activities (TAD) ........................................................................................... 15
2.3.1 Advice ......................................................................................................................... 15
2.3.2 Intellectual property rights .......................................................................................... 16
2.3.3 Website........................................................................................................................ 17

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 Annual Report 2014

1 Management Organization of WTOCD

1.1 Members of the Algemene Raad (31/12/2014)

1.1.1 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

1.1.2 One member manufacturer appointed by VKD

 Mr. CHR. VAN EYNDT

1.1.3 One member appointed by VEV (Vice-President)

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 Mr. S. COUVREUR (until 19/11/2014)

 Annual Report 2014

1.1.4 Two members appointed by ABVV Textiel, Kleding en Diamant

 Mr. P. DE BACKER
E. VERPLANCKEN

1.1.5 Two members appointed by ACV-Transcom

 Mrs. M. DILLEN
Mr. T. SIEMONS

1.1.6 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
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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 compa-
nies, 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 so-
called pre-prototypes. Those set-ups are already tuned to usage in a production environ-
ment 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 trajec-
tory 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

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 Annual Report 2014

In this annual report the research and service activities in 2014 are described. More in-
formation can be found on www.wtocd.be.

The TAD-activity (Technologische Adviesdienst) of WTOCD is no longer financially sup-

ported by IWT. Due to the necessity of this activity WTOCD decided to continue this ser-
vice without external financing. The service activities (TAD) of the research centre are de-
livered 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).

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2.2 Research projects

2.2.1 Grain independent polishing

Description
In the classical polishing process, crystal orientation of the diamond determines the re-
moval rate. Therefore it is necessary to find the appropriate polishing direction, which re-
quires 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 po-
tential 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 automat-
ic 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 di-
amond based materials.
Target Group
Gem diamond industry and other industrial applications of diamond

More information
http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/GIP.html

 Computer presentation of WOSCAM

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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 sys-
tems. 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
http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/lumisense.html

 Diamond in Lumisense
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2.2.3 Reflex

Description
All commercial proportion measuring systems for polished diamonds make use of the so-
called shadow image technique. The accuracy and repeatability of the measurement de-
pends 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
http://www.wtocd.be/nl/Projects/reflex.html

 Example of a Reflex-report for fancy shapes.

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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 Ant-
werp 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 2015.

Target Group
Gem diamond industry

 EOSFancy
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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 appli-
cations 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
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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 dimen-
sional 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 me-
dium (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 indus-
try.

Target Group
Gem diamond industry

 CAMLANN-tang plate
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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 dia-
monds 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: feed-
ing, 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

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2.3 Service activities (TAD)

2.3.1 Advice

Description
The TAD service is not financially supported any more in this form by IWT. Due to the ne-
cessity 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 EOSFancy;
o AvalonPlus;
o Reflex;
o WOS;
o Morgana;
o Lamia tangpin;
o Camlann tangplate.

Questions from the sector were answered in the form of technological advice.
More information
http://www.wtocd.be/nl/TAD/tad-main.html

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 Article “Lamia, meer dan gewoon een tangpin” in SBD Magazine

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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 ad-
vice 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 appli-
cations or grants related to diamond.
A subscription form is available on http://www.wtocd.be/en/TAD/fullquestionform.html.

More information
http://www.wtocd.be/nl/TAD/patents.html

 Example of a diamond related patent in the State of the art mailing service
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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 2015. Except from the standard mainte-
nance 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 in-
crease 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.

www.wtocd.be – Monthly number of visitors

www.wtocd.be - Geographical distribution of visitors

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 Analysis of the numbers of visitors of the website

Research and Innovation
in all its facets

www.wtocd.be