Automating the Anodizing Station with LabVIEW

LabVIEW controlled Keithley SourceMeter (Model 2611B) as anodizing workstation (GUI)

Achieving highly reproducible results in surface engineering requires rigorous control over electrochemical parameters. To streamline this process, a custom LabVIEW application was developed to fully automate an anodizing workstation. This software replaces manual instrument adjustments with a robust, digital interface tailored for high-precision surface treatments.

Hardware Integration

The core of the hardware setup relies on the Keithley SourceMeter Unit (SMU). By interfacing directly with this equipment via serial communication, the software ensures highly accurate power delivery and measurement throughout the anodizing process. The system is built around the following specifications:

Primary Instrument: Keithley SourceMeter (Model 2611B)
Maximum Current Capability: 10 A
Maximum Voltage Capability: 200 V

Rated Capability: 30 kV

Photograph of anodizing station setup with LabVIEW controller app running.

Core Software Features

The custom LabVIEW front panel, as demonstrated in image_0299a7.png, serves as a comprehensive control hub. The user interface is designed to give the researcher complete authority over the experimental parameters while automating the data acquisition.

Dual Operation Modes: Researchers can seamlessly toggle between Constant Voltage (CV/Potentiostatic) and Constant Current (CC/Galvanostatic) modes to suit specific anodizing requirements.

Real-Time Visualization: The interface dynamically plots the applied current and resulting voltage against time, allowing for immediate visual feedback of the electrochemical process as it happens.

Customizable Measurement Timings: The UI allows users to configure precise data measurement intervals (down to the millisecond) and set exact total experiment durations.

Automated Data Logging: The program automatically generates data files with timestamps and custom text appended to the filename, ensuring perfect traceability for post-processing.

Hardware Safety Interlocks: A dedicated indicator continuously monitors the status of the workstation's safety door, ensuring a safe operating environment before high-voltage output is authorized.

Impact on Surface Engineering Workflows

This automation tool was specifically engineered to enhance the experimental capabilities within the Surface Engineering and Corrosion Lab, supporting the advanced research initiatives of Prof. Aleksandra Baron-Wiechec. By combining the precision of the Keithley 2611B with the flexibility of LabVIEW, the system minimizes human error, standardizes the anodizing protocols, and drastically reduces the time spent on manual data logging.