BeGreen Chrome®
Hard chromium plating based on trivalent chromium compounds
Hard chrome is characterized by a variety of technical properties that are valued in a wide range of industries and, in combination, cannot currently be replaced by any other technology. Because of the dangers posed by chromium(VI), the surface finishing industry has been looking for an alternative for several years. While chromium(III) technology is already being used for decorative purposes, there is still a need for research and development for functional chrome plating.
Since 2017, Betz-Chrom has been working with innovative chemical suppliers to test electrolytes based on trivalent chromium compounds for hard chrome plating. The result of these research collaborations is our BeGreen Chrome® pilot process, in which a functional hard chrome layer is deposited from a chromium(III) electrolyte. The coating properties differ in part from conventional hard chrome plating, which is why the feasibility for the respective application must be tested.
Would you like to test functional chrome plating with chromium(III) on your components? Contact us for project planning and become part of a new generation of chrome plating!
Manufacturing specifications
Weight
Up to 250 kg
Dimensions
Plant: 900 L x 650 W x 700 H
Please inquire about component size individually, as it depends on the area to be chromium-plated.
Material
Steels and non-ferrous metals
Layer thickness
Dimensional chromium plating: 5 – 40 µm
Oversize chromium plating: up to 200 µm
Hybrid: e.g. 30 µm nickel + 30 µm chromium
Hard chrome properties
The technical properties of hard chrome enable efficient, safe and durable use of components. The chromic acid required for chrome plating consists of aqueous chromium trioxide – chromium(VI). Chromium trioxide was added to the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in 2010 and is subject to authorisation. The electroplated chromium layer is present as a metal in neutral form – chromium(0). Hard chrome-plated components are non-toxic and therefore harmless.
Authorisation chromium(VI)
Betz-Chrom acts in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) of 18 December 2006 as the holder of an authorisation for the use of chromium trioxide. Our aim is to be able to offer our customers a technologically and economically viable alternative to chromium trioxide. The authorisation enables us to continue legally compliant hard chrome plating with chromium(VI) until then. You can find more detailed information on REACH and the authorisation under FAQ on REACH.
BeGreen Chrome®
The BeGreen Chrome® process deposits a functional hard chrome layer from a chromium(III) electrolyte and is free from the hazardous substance chromium(VI). Compared to conventional hard chrome plating, the process is considerably more sensitive and complex. A multi-part pre-treatment series, special anode technology and close process monitoring are required. Betz-Chrom is facing up to these challenges and consistently pursuing its own vision of green electroplating.
Layer properties
Color
semi-glossy grayish
Hardness
800 – 900 HV 0.05
with post-treatment up to 1600 HV
Roughness
Rmax < 0.1 μm to Rz 70 μm
Macro cracked
Wear resistance (abrasion resistance)
Taber Abraser Test: 1.6 mg / 1000 revolutions
Corrosion resistance according to DIN EN ISO 9227-NSS
Hybrid nickel 30 µm + chromium 20 µm: 1008 h Rp 10
Magnetic property
Non-magnetic
RoHS compliant
lead and cadmium free
BeGreen Chrome® – why green?
Like proud parents, we have given our new process a name: BeGreen Chrome®. “Be” identifies the belonging to the Betz-Chrom family. “Chrome” informs about the type of coating. But what does “Green” mean? This is to highlight the hard chrome plating based on trivalent chromium compounds. While chromium(VI) oxide is red-violet, chromium(III) oxide has a green colour. The avoidance of hexavalent chromium compounds is also a more environmentally friendly process. We hope that our BeGreen Chrome® process will be able to replace hard chrome plating based on hexavalent chrome compounds in the long term. The introduction of BeGreen Chrome® therefore represents an important step in the pursuit of our vision of green electroplating.
