ProjectDIAVEM II

Glass/metal assemblies play an essential role in many industrial applications, particularly in connectors, microfluidics and precision technical devices.

Today, low-temperature sealing processes still largely rely on glass pastes containing lead oxide. These materials offer attractive performance but raise several major issues:

• increasingly strict European regulations on hazardous substances
• the need to develop more sustainable lead-free alternatives
• growing requirements for lightweighting, miniaturisation and functional performance

Against this background, the DIAVEM II project aims to develop innovative glass/metal joining solutions based on lead-free technical glasses and a better understanding of interface mechanisms.

It follows on from the DIAVEM I project, overcoming the scientific and technological barriers identified.

3-year project, from January 2020 to December 2022

The DIAVEM II project aims to develop robust industrial solutions for low-temperature glass/metal joining.

Its main objectives are to:

• Identify the industrial constraints of sealing processes (soft soldering and laser)
• Develop formulations of special lead-free technical glasses
• Define optimised “material / joining process” combinations
• Understand the physico-chemical mechanisms behind glass-metal bonding
• Improve joint performance and reliability
• Explore soft soldering processes and the conditions for optimising them

IREPA LASER is a key player in the project, contributing its expertise in laser processes, surface preparation and the joining of complex materials.

Surface preparation and functionalisation
The work focuses on treating glass and metal surfaces to improve their joining compatibility:

• laser polishing of glass and ceramics
• surface texturing to optimise adhesion
• oxide metallisation on glass substrates

Development of hybrid joining processes
IREPA LASER contributes to developing processes suited to different configurations:

• glass / glass
• glass / glass powder or foam
• glass / metal and oxidised interfaces

These developments cover a broad spectrum of industrial applications.

Study of interface mechanisms
A significant part of the work is dedicated to understanding the physico-chemical phenomena responsible for glass-metal bonding, in order to optimise the durability and quality of the joints.

Targeted industrial applications
The solutions developed are intended for high-value-added applications:

• advanced connectors
• microfluidics
• technical glass containers

Validation and demonstration
IREPA LASER also leads process validation through trials and characterisation of the joints produced.

The DIAVEM II project is based on a consortium of recognised expertise:

• Institut de Soudure – Project coordinator
• CERFAV (Centre Européen de Recherches et de Formation aux Arts Verriers) – Expertise in glass and glass materials
• IREPA LASER – Process development, surface preparation and joint validation

The project is funded under Région Grand Est and FEDER schemes:

• Total project cost: €408,068.90
• FEDER (ERDF) funding: €142,622
• Co-funding Région Grand Est + FEDER: ~70% of the budget

DIAVEM II brings major advances in glass/metal joining amid regulatory and technological transition.

Development of lead-free solutions
The project makes it possible to offer alternatives that comply with European environmental regulations.

Improved sealing processes
Understanding interfaces and physico-chemical mechanisms improves joint reliability.

Broader industrial applications
The technical glasses developed open up new prospects for miniaturised and complex devices.

Optimised industrial performance
Optimised material/process combinations improve the robustness and repeatability of joints.

Contribution to materials innovation
The project strengthens IREPA LASER’s position in developing hybrid processes and advanced materials solutions.