A new chrome color gives vehicle lines a stylish look and enhances the interior. A plastic coater is already developing an exterior variant for a premium car manufacturer.
With the new coating options, mixed installation is now possible. For example, a steering wheel clasp could be converted even though there are still various hexavalent chrome-plated components in the vehicleVehicle manufacturersare increasingly confronted with a growing demand for refined components in the interior area. New and exclusive chrome and color variants are particularly in demand in the premium segment. Kunststofftechnik Bernt (KTB) from Kaufbeuren has been responding to these trends since 2019 with trivalent chrome-plated components in series production. KTB was one of the first coaters of plastic parts to realize the color of hexavalent chrome plating in a series application. Previously, trivalent chrome-plated components could always be distinguished from hexavalent components by a slight yellow tint.
"This makes mixed installation with conventional chrome parts possible, which paved the way for various conversions in ongoing series production. For example, a steering wheel clasp could be converted even though there are still various hexavalent chrome-plated components in the vehicle. Experts and customers can't tell the difference," reports KTB Managing Director Dr. Carsten Brockmann.
Due to the positive experience with trivalent electrolytes, KTB has now taken the next step and installed another trivalent chrome bath in its electroplating shop, which enables the deposition of a dark chrome layer. "This color is particularly in demand for premium vehicles," explains Brockmann. With the "Exclusive Dark" variant, components such as trim panels or regulators can now be supplied in Dark Shadow in accordance with the Daimler specification. An exterior application is even in preparation for the customer Jaguar Land Rover. Various trim strips will be produced in series from this year. The newly available color can be combined with the various KTB technologies for day/night design, just like all previous chrome coatings.
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Kunststofftechnik Bernt GmbH
KTB, which belongs to Hübner KTB Oberflächentechnik GmbH from Marktoberdorf, is a supplier of high-quality plastic parts. In addition to parts development, tool design, mold construction and plastic injection molding, KTB finishes surfaces in its own plastic electroplating facility. 300 employees manufacture products for customers in the automotive, household appliance and sanitary sectors.
