The expected switch from chromium(VI) to chromium(III) processes in the coming years as a result of REACh legislation poses a major challenge for the electroplating industry. Suppliers of chrome-plated automotive components in particular must manage the balancing act of converting their plant technology during ongoing series production and creating capacity in good time for new orders for which chromium(III) surfaces have already been agreed.The Solingen-based BIA Group completed the first plant conversions in February 2020. At the Forst site, the electroplating facility was converted at the turn of the year so that both chromium(III) and chromium(VI) surfaces can now be produced there.
While the BIA Group has already been offering the option of trivalent chrome plating at its sites in China and Slovakia for years and the plant at the new site in Mexico, which will open in 2020, has also been designed accordingly, production at the German sites has so far been based exclusively on chromium(VI).
The chromium(III) capacities within the Group have thus been increased by around 25%. From fall 2020, the company also intends to start converting the facilities at its headquarters in Solingen. This should be completed by 2022.
www.bia-group.com
While the BIA Group has already been offering the option of trivalent chrome plating at its sites in China and Slovakia for years and the plant at the new site in Mexico, which will open in 2020, has also been designed accordingly, production at the German sites has so far been based exclusively on chromium(VI).
The chromium(III) capacities within the Group have thus been increased by around 25%. From fall 2020, the company also intends to start converting the facilities at its headquarters in Solingen. This should be completed by 2022.
www.bia-group.com
