SAFEChrome Dark Brochure

SAFE Chrome® Dark 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® Dark 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 ®

Dark 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

Meets

• Regulatory burden and waste handling

• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for plating

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

Anodes do not require membranes

Easier to operate, process provides a self-regulating pH system, similar to a Hex process

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

Eliminates creation of hexavalent chromium by-product often experienced with aqueous trivalent chemistry systems

Higher cathode efficiencies and higher plating throughput equates to lower cost

PERFORMANCE DATA

SAFE Chrome® Dark Meets requirements of ASTM B456, AMS 2438, and AMS 2460 class 1 or class 2, dependent on specific operating conditions*

(g/cm3)

Wear Resistance range as deposited. (abrasion) per AMS 2438 3.4.4.1

(depending on specific operating conditions and requirements)

Porosity - without Ni underlayer

AMS 2460 3.4.4, AMS 2438 3.4.5, or ASTM B650 7.4

Porosity

a) Electroless NiP sublayer <5um

b) Electroless NiP sublayer >12um

c) Electrolytic Nickel sublayer

CASS Corrosion Resistance with Ni underlayer

Cathode Efficiency

**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness & electrolytic nickel underlayer system)

**Color Decorative applications (with 0.2 up to 0.5 microns thickness and > 7 microns bright EN (NiP) underlayer system)

a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass a) >168 hrs b) up to 1000 hrs c) pass

24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72 hrs rating 7 or less 24 - 48 hrs rating 9 >72hrs rating 7 or less

L* ranging 60 to 75 b* blue hue low negative number

L* ranging 55 to 70 b* blue hue high negative number

L* >82 white bright b* blue hue medium negative number

L* <81 white bright b* blue hue low negative number

B117

B456

ASTM B 368 ASTM B 537

CIE L*a*b* colorimetry

CIE 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