Electroplated chrome-plated elements are a high-quality design element in many areas. However, the chromium(VI) electrolytes still commonly used in electroplating are classified as 'substances subject to authorization' in accordance with the REACh regulation and are considered environmentally harmful and carcinogenic. The surface technology specialist SurTec has succeeded in developing a chromium(III)-based process that is not only impressive in terms of color and quality, but is also associated with almost comparable process costs and can be integrated into existing systems with little effort.
Visible at first glance: components coated with the new SurTec 883 XT process have identical color values to surfaces coated with a chromium(VI) electrolyteChromium(III) processes represent a sustainable alternative to previous processes, but were previously considered more cost-intensive and not technically mature. A new high-performance chromium(III) process developed by SurTec for chromium(VI) replacement already offers a fully convincing alternative. The process delivers coatings with identical resistance, hardness and color, among other things, and therefore also allows for mixed construction with chromium(VI)-based technologies and chromium coatings.
Higher energy efficiency and improved sustainability
The chromium(III)-based alternative product SurTec 883 XT has already been in use for some time and achieves a reproducible, attractive, white-blue color. The exposure times of the deposition are short and are 3 to 5 minutes for 0.2 to 0.3 μm chromium layer thickness. The user can reduce the current density for chrome plating by up to 30 to 50 %, which significantly reduces electricity costs. For example, SurTec's new process only requires a current density of 3 to 5 A/dm2, whereas chromium(VI) processes often require a higher current density of 8 to 12 A/dm2. The process runs at a voltage of between 9 and 10 volts. The energy costs are up to fifty percent lower than those of chromium(VI) processes.
Conclusion
The new SurTec 883 XT development is already a production-ready process for switching from chromium(VI) to chromium(III) coatings that meets all requirements in terms of function, corrosion protection and color. In terms of performance, sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental protection, the new SurTec process is a forward-looking and more environmentally friendly technology than chromium(VI) processes. The new process enables REACh-compliant production without incurring higher final process costs compared to coatings made from chromium(VI) electrolytes.
The extensive color palette of the SurTec 88x product family covers the entire spectrum between light and dark shades
