Chromium Plating Solution for Decorative Applications SafeChrome.com A product of
SAFE Chrome® Bright is a high through-put electroplating chemistry utilizing our novel and robust water-based Ionic Liquid and Metal Salts.
This combination deposits a lustrous and adherent chromium metal coating over electrolytic nickel or electroless nickel (NiP alloy) deposits for plastics, steel, brass, and aluminum substrates designed for the replacement of hexavalent chromium deposits.
SAFE Chrome® Bright is designed for use in decorative plating applications to enhance the part or component performance for many industries and applications. These include plumbing, sanitary, household fixtures, appliances, hardware, furniture, connectors, and many others where hazardous hexavalent chromium can be eliminated.
Benefits of transitioning from Hexavalent
Chromium Chemistries to SAFE Chrome ®
Bright include:
PROVIDES
ELIMINATES
• Higher plating speeds and improved cathode efficiency of Hex processes for higher throughput
• Superior covering power across a full range of current plating densities providing up to 1.0 micron deposit thickness if required
• High protective oxide layer, similar to Hex
• Part burning issues associated with current interruption in Hex processes
• Lead Anodes
• The need for PFOA and PFOS additives for controlling Hex mists
REDUCES
• Regulatory burden and waste handling
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for plating
Meets sustainability requirements for: REACH, RoHS, WEEE, CARB, EPA, & OSHA
Advantages Over Existing Trivalent
Chromium Chemistries:
Lower Carbon in deposit alloy, maintaining color stability over time
Eliminates the need for numerous additives, complexing agents, and chelation chemistry
No post dip required
Up to 0.5 microns thickness, provides a uniform bright deposit that closely matches Hex deposit color.
Easily deposits over Electroless Nickel (NiP alloys) providing greater application development and improved corrosion performance for complex shape geometries
Easier to operate, process provides a self-regulating pH system, similar to a Hex process
Anodes do not require membranes
Easily deposits over brass substrates, eliminating the need for Nickel in certain applications
Provides a wider range of operational parameters versus existing Trivalent systems on the market
Eliminates need for costly ion exchange resins and equipment required for most aqueous trivalent solutions on the market
Higher cathode efficiencies and higher plating throughput equates to lower cost
Eliminates creation of hexavalent chromium by-product often experienced with aqueous trivalent chemistry systems
PERFORMANCE DATA
**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness & electrolytic nickel underlayer system)
L* >81 white bright
blue hue high negative number
L* <81 white bright
L*a*b* colorimetry
*Operating conditions include chemistry set up, current density, operating temperature and deposit thickness target range as some examples. Consult with TRION Technical Team for specific recommendations.
**Based on the latest global color system accepted by decorative OEMs. Note: operating conditions affect results while SAFE Chrome® deposits meet Automotive OEM color requirements with nickel underlayer system
Deposit Performance Characteristic SAFE Chrome® Bright Hexavalent Reference Thickness Range Capability per operating conditions 0.2 – 250 microns 0.2 – 250 microns ASTM B487, B 499, B504, B568, or B748 Deposit Density (g/cm3) 6.9 – 7.2 6.9 – 7.2 N/A Wear Resistance range as deposited. (abrasion) per AMS 2438 3.4.4.1 1 – 3 mg/1000 cycles 1 – 3 mg/1000 cycles Taber Wear Index: ASTM D4060 Deposit Hardness Range (depending on specific operating conditions and requirements) 800 – 1100 HV100 600 – 1100 HV100 ASTM B578 / E384 Adhesion Pass Pass ASTM B571 for Cr Porosity - without Ni underlayer AMS 2460 3.4.4, AMS 2438 3.4.5, or ASTM B650 7.4 Pass B117: 50 – 144 hrs Pass B117: 24 – 144 hrs Ferroxyl ASTM B117 Porosity a) Electroless NiP sublayer <5um b) Electroless NiP sublayer >12um c) Electrolytic Nickel sublayer a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass ASTM B117 ASTM B456 CASS Corrosion Resistance with Ni underlayer 24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72 hrs rating 7 or less 24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72hrs rating 7 or less CASS ASTM B 368 ASTM B 537 Cathode Efficiency comparative operating conditions 20 – 36% 9 – 26% N/A
L*
b*
L*
b*
CIE L*a*b*
>83 white bright
blue hue low negative number
>82 white bright
blue hue medium negative number
colorimetry
b*
b*
**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness and > 7 microns bright EN (NiP) underlayer system) CIE
blue hue low negative number
SAFE Chrome® Bright Meets requirements of ASTM B456, AMS 2438, and AMS 2460 class 1 or class 2, dependent on specific operating conditions*
CONTACT info@safechrome.com 1-800-572-2350 1400 E. Angela Boulevard, Unit 104 South Bend, IN 46617 SafeChrome.com
