There is no way around Chrome 3
Compounds with chromium(VI) are considered hazardous to health. They and other chromium compounds are therefore listed in the EU REACH Regulation. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals. It therefore regulates whether and under what conditions certain chemicals may be used within the European Union.
The REACH Regulation provides for an authorisation procedure for substances of very high concern (SVHC) in order to control the risks posed and to achieve substitution with suitable alternative substances.
Chromium(VI) was and is used in electroplating and surface technology and is used to increase corrosion protection or to create visually appealing surfaces. The restrictions mean that the use of alternatives to hexavalent chromium is absolutely essential for the protection of the environment and the safety of human health.
However, no substance that has ever been included in this list has a comparably broad range of applications. Chromium (VI) oxide is used in a wide range of surface treatments. This means that many industries are directly or indirectly affected by the restrictions.
Change is in full swing. Need for action?
We say yes. Even though the REACH regulation basically offers the possibility of submitting use-related authorisation applications to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under certain conditions, it is difficult to keep track of current developments. We are aware of the planning uncertainty in the industry.
It was therefore absolutely essential for us to be able to offer our customers an efficient solution that is in no way inferior to chromium(VI) in terms of corrosion protection and optical properties and is more than just a replacement.
We have an alternative.
We at IWG already offer chromium(III) processes as an alternative. Not only the significantly better environmental compatibility, but also the qualitative results speak for themselves. The same applies to the technical performance, especially the corrosion protection, but also the adhesive strength. We have recognised challenges in the development process as an opportunity that now allows us to offer absolutely stable processes.
We do it for you.
In our fully automated electroplating shop, we chrome plate a wide variety of workpieces, mainly made of brass and aluminium, such as plug contacts, for customers from different industries. We specialise in parts with high technical requirements and difficult geometries that are not mass-produced. In addition to the careful quality inspection of all parts that leave our company, we monitor the entire process in our in-house laboratory. This gives you the certainty of always receiving workpieces with a perfect coating.
IWG Crodega pure 3+ FS – more than just an alternative
Chromium(III) is not only ideal for coating contact parts, but also for parts that are painted. It is highly corrosion-resistant and is characterised by unrivalled whiteness with L-values greater than 83. Customers with particularly high technical requirements, e.g. in the automotive industry, appreciate hard coatings of up to 1 µm and excellent depth dispersion with easy handling. The desired bluish colour is similar to hexavalent chrome. Crodega pure 3+ FS is therefore the perfect substitute for chromium(VI).
Any questions?
We are here for you! Contact us directly here. We would also be happy to advise you in a personal meeting.
Further information can also be found on the website of the European Chemicals Agency ECHA.
https://echa.europa.eu/home
Or also at the Central Association of Surface Technology ZVO and the WKO: https://www.zvo.org/politik/international/chromsaeure-und-reach
https://www.wko.at/branchen/gewerbe-handwerk/metalltechniker/verwendung-und-weiternutzung-chrom-vi.html
Guide to chemicals legislation and REACH https://www.reachhelpdesk.at/