SafeChrome

The industrial activities that currently use chrome plating are currently at a crossroads. Indeed, due to public health and European standards, the use of chromium hexavalent (Cr (VI)), will be restricted, affecting the commercial activities of producers of these coatings and end users. The alternative, the chrome plating using Cr (III), presents coatings with aesthetic, mechanical performance and durability much lower than those achieved with Cr (VI).

Thus, the main objective of the SafeChrome project is to obtain products without these limitations, through an innovative hybrid solution which apply physical vapor deposition coatings (PVD- Physical vapor deposition) on polymeric parts, and brass and anodized aluminum, previously chromed with Cr (III). The coatings developed should have high performance, equal to or exceeding the performance of Cr (VI) chrome plating in regards aesthetics, chemical and mechanical resistance, thus responding to demanding conditions of the identified target sectors: automotive industry and industry consumer optoelectronics.