3012. Wanted: Trivalent Chrome Platers-Ohio area

Letter 3012

Trivalent Chrome Plating

~~We are a tube fabricator interested in sourcing Trivalent Chrome Plating of small O.D. carbon steel tubing. Please forward information if you can provide this service and are located in the Midwest.~~

Kevin E. Reilley
- Louisville, OH

Ed. note: this RFQ from 1999 is expired. Non-commercial, technical comments about trivalent chromium plating are still welcome, but please do not respond to the RFQ above. Thanks.

I was wondering if there is a lot of trivalent chrome plating period in any area. I understand that hexavalent chrome is predominant, but that trivalent chrome is more environmentally friendly. My company uses a lot of hexavalent chrome, but we are aware that future trends may be towards trivalent chemistries. If anyone has their two cents worth to add, please do so.

Timothy Neveau
- Auburn Hills, MI

Yes, the trivalent chromes are more environmentally friendly for several reasons: no worker exposure to toxic chromic acid fumes and liquids; no need to reduce the hexavalent chromium to trivalent in the wastewater; far less dragout because the viscosity is lower and the chrome concentration is way lower.

Suppliers include Atotech, CST-SurTec, Canning-Gumm [now MacDermid], and Enthone-OMI.

Accurate color is a perennial problem, there have been some reports of poor corrosion resistance, and thickness is extremely limited so that it can be used only in decorative applications not engineering applications.

Ted Mooney
finishing.com - Brick, NJ

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