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Electrolytic hard chromium plating (EHC) is a critical surface finishing technology that is used for applying functional coatings for corrosion and wear resistance to aircraft components in manufacturing operations and for re-build of worn or corroded components. However, EHC plating baths contain hexavalent chromium, which is a known carcinogen and environmental hazard. Therefore, the replacement of EHC in aircraft manufacturing activities and maintenance depots is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Is it possible to be both lean and green in the finishing world? Lean manufacturing says that money spent on resources for any goal other than the creation of value is wasteful and should be eliminated.

While safety in the powder coating job shop has improved dramatically in recent years, accidents, injuries and work stoppages still occur today. For a better understanding of safety in and around the powder coating line, we asked a Certified Safety Professional to share with us his approach to safety...

Energy-Saving Innovations in Paint System Design

Results of second phase of research conducted by top defense contractors.

This paper shows information learned from a NASF/AESF Foundation Research grant which has led to successful application. The work at the University of Houston (UH) is discussed – a technique developed to perform in-situ analysis of the stress of the chromium deposit from a REACH-compliant trivalent chromium electrolyte. An understanding of crack formation during plating has led the way to a means to avoid it. Faraday Technology Inc. scaled-up and optimized the same process through support from the U.S. Army. The results enabled significant chromium coating performance enhancements, matching the wear index of conventional Cr deposits from hexavalent baths.

A novel hexavalent chromate-free conversion coating was developed to improve anti-corrosion and adhesive-bonding characteristics of the magnesium alloys and zinc-nickel (Zn-Ni) plated steel substrates. The corrosion behavior of the coated and uncoated alloys was investigated by neutral salt fog (NSF) and electrochemical corrosion tests. Surface wettability of the pretreated substrates was investigated by static contact angle measurements. Wet-tape adhesion tests verified that there is strong adhesion between the primer and the chem film-treated substrates. The morphology and composition of the coated surfaces were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) methods. This trivalent chromium-based surface treatment is a potential hexavalent chromate conversion coating replacement for magnesium alloys and Zn-Ni plated steel.

Question: I want to start a plating shop specializing in decorative chromium plating of automotive rims and accessories.

This year’s class includes chemists, engineers, professors, business development managers, general managers, quality control specialists and company presidents.

Satin nickel scores in auto and other applications