Since 2007 Trichrome Plus®, developed by Atotech, has been in application in our galvanising workshop.
It requires accurate operation and a well - developed technological background.
Why Trivalent Chromium?
The previously used hexavalent chromium has become out of date by now as it is one of the most hazardous substances on the restriction lists of EU legislation (ROHS, ELV and WEEE). In the automotive sector it will be banned in corrosion resistant finishes from 2007 onwards. In the area of decorative electroplating metallic chromium layers as a final finish are traditionally plated out of Cr (VI) electrolytes. When rinsing is done properly Cr (VI) is not an issue with respect to the final finish, yet there is a growing demand for CR(VI) free processes. The main concern here is worker safety.
Trichrome Plus provides a solution. It’s a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to hexavalent chromium for decorative applications. As the name indicates it is an electrolyte purely based on Cr(III). Trichrome ® is able to meet all the performance requirements in the automotive, consumer electronics and sanitary sectors. According to the newly introduced EU legislations in certain sectors such as the automotive industry only this process is accepted. Several multinational companies allow only this technology since it is able to meet their performance requirements.
There are several benefits of Trichrome® processing:
BETTER PROPERTIES:
Most suitable for decorative, micro-cracked applications.
Good coverage.
Excellent deposit properties.
Superior plating efficiency, faster deposition rate, uniform thickness even in high current density.
Enables production in small and big quantities.
MORE RELIABLE:
Very tolerant to current interruption or contaminants such as sulphur or chloride.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY:
Cr(VI) free.
It doesn’t contain hazardous substances.
Simple waste treatment as there is no need for Cr(VI) reduction.
Excellent anode lifetime by using inert graphite-anodes
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