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| Trivalent Chromium Finishing |
Trivalent chromium finishing is emerging as a sustainable alternative to
traditional hexavalent chromium finishing processes that are being phased out
due to environmental and health concerns. Trivalent chromium finishing produces
durable, corrosion resistant coatings while avoiding the use of the more toxic
hexavalent chromium.
What is Trivalent Chromium Finishing?
Trivalent chromium finishing, also known as chromium III finishing, involves
electroplating or anodizing a part with trivalent chromium (Cr3+) instead of
the more toxic hexavalent chromium (Cr6+). Trivalent chromium is the naturally
occurring and stable form of chromium that is non-carcinogenic. In a trivalent
chromium finishing process, parts are submerged in a proprietary trivalent
chromium plating solution where an electrochemical reaction binds the Cr3+ ions
to the substrate surface, producing a corrosion resistant chromium coating.
The coating thickness and properties can be customized for a wide variety of
applications. Common coating thicknesses range from 2-5 microns for decorative
and mild corrosion protection up to 10-15 microns for demanding corrosion and
abrasion applications. The chromium plating produces brilliant chrome finishes
with excellent mechanical properties, corrosion and abrasion resistance.
Advantages over Hexavalent Chromium Processes
Hexavalent chromium is a known human carcinogen that poses serious health risks
to workers. As a result, hexavalent chromium plating is being phased out and
replaced with trivalent chromium finishing which offers the following
advantages:
Environmental and Worker Safety
- Trivalent
Chromium Finishing processes do not use Cr(VI), eliminating the toxic
environmental and health hazards posed by hexavalent chromium. Workers are no
longer exposed to the carcinogenic mist during plating.
Regulatory Compliance
- Trivalent chromium finishing allows manufacturers to transition to a
compliant chrome plating process ahead of tightening environmental regulations
against Cr(VI). Many suppliers now only offer trivalent chromium plating.
Superior Corrosion Resistance
- Properly applied trivalent chromium coatings deliver equivalent or better
corrosion resistance compared to hexavalent chromium plating on many substrate
metals like steel.
Hard, Wear-resistant Coatings
- The chromium coating produces from trivalent plating is extremely hard and
abrasion resistant, protecting parts from wear and tear. Coatings as thin as
2-3 microns can provide adequate abrasion protection for many applications.
Applications of Trivalent Chromium Finishing
Thanks to its safe, high-performance capabilities, trivalent chromium finishing
is now widely used across many industries for:
- Automotive parts - critical components like brake calipers, brake rotors,
axle components benefit from the corrosion protection of trivalent chrome.
- Industrial equipment - valves, pumps, fasteners and other metal components
for oil & gas, mining, construction industries.
- Architectural applications - door hardware, bathroom/plumbing fixtures
benefit from the decorative and protective qualities.
- Military and aerospace components - demanding applications requiring high
corrosion and abrasion resistance turn to trivalent chromium platings.
- Appliance and consumer products - components for washers/dryers,
refrigerators, power tools, and more are commonly chrome plated.
Making the Transition to Trivalent Chromium Finishing
Switching from a hexavalent chromium plating line to a trivalent system
involves evaluating cathode fixtures, plating racks and making some process
parameter adjustments to optimize for the Cr3+ solution. Suppliers like offer
turnkey trivalent chromium plating systems tailored for OEM production
requirements along with plater training. With proper investment and process
controls, manufacturers can qualify a trivalent chromium plating process to
meet specifications for even the most demanding applications.
Overall, trivalent chromium finishing is emerging as the sustainable
alternative to legacy hexavalent chromium plating. It provides corrosion
resistant, mechanically robust chrome platings without harmful health effects -
important considerations for a modern, socially responsible manufacturing
process. With its performance capabilities and regulatory compliance, trivalent
chromium looks poised take over as the standard chrome plating technology of
the future.
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