Deep Drawing Helping Uncover the Origin of the Universe

Matriçats contributed to Hyper-Kamiokande, an international project exploring the origin of the universe. It developed the COVER DD rear section for this neutrino observatory.

MATRIÇATS contributes to advancing scientific research into the origin of the universe by providing engineering expertise, technology, and deep drawing manufacturing know-how.
The company has participated in an R&D project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, in collaboration with the Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC) and the AMADE Institute at the University of Girona, to develop the rear section of the Cover DD protective housing, manufactured in stainless steel using deep drawing and 3D laser technology.
This component is part of Hyper-Kamiokande (HK), one of the world's largest scientific observatories, currently under construction in Japan. The detector will house more than 20,000 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), highly sensitive sensors that operate under vacuum and are immersed in ultra-pure water. To prevent chain reactions in the event of an implosion, each PMT is protected by a dedicated cover.
The Cover DD had to meet highly demanding requirements: high mechanical strength, precise and repeatable geometry, compatibility with ultra-pure water, and suitability for large-scale production. After extensive prototyping and testing, it successfully passed a controlled implosion test equivalent to a depth of 80 meters.
The component is manufactured from AISI 304 stainless steel using deep drawing, a process that transforms a flat metal sheet into a hollow, high-strength part without reducing its thickness. This technology enables the production of complex geometries with outstanding precision, eliminates the need for welding, optimizes manufacturing efficiency, and helps reduce the carbon footprint.
MATRIÇATS' participation in the Hyper-Kamiokande project demonstrates the company's ability to meet the demanding standards of international scientific research. A component designed and manufactured in Girona will contribute to one of the world's most important scientific experiments, highlighting how industry and science can advance together.