Chrome-free drum coating of ABS plastic parts is an environmentally friendly alternative to the electroplating process.
ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastics are used on a large scale in the medical, electrical and furniture industries. For decorative purposes, they are often surface-finished by electroplating. To create a thin metallic layer on the surface, the surface is pickled with chromium sulphuric acid to create tiny cavities in which metal particles are embedded. By means of these metal particles, a mechanically firmly anchored conductive layer is created, which is a prerequisite for the actual electroplating process. Since September 21, 2017, however, chromium VI compounds have been banned under the European Chemicals Regulation (ECHA) due to their toxic and carcinogenic properties. Consistently suitable replacement processes are not yet available, according to electroplating experts.
Painting ABS plastic parts is a proven alternative for decorative surface design. Today, high-performance coatings are replacing conventional matte electroplating processes and do not require chrome VI compounds. In addition, such modern paint systems are both abrasion-resistant and chemically resistant, for example to acetone effects or other commercially available specifications. In addition, this environmentally friendly painting process eliminates the risk of rejects due to the embrittlement that occurs during electroplating.
Since many of the components belong to the group of small parts, the ROTOVER spray drum painting process is the efficient painting process. The drum painting process is always suitable for plastic parts when cost-intensive handling and construction costs for the alternative spray painting as rack or overlay coating are to be avoided. Barrel coating of ABS plastic parts is one of the areas of expertise of ROTOVER Lackiertechnik GmbH from Wuppertal. For 26 years, the Wuppertal-based contract coating company has specialized in the barrel coating of mass-produced small parts. Through the connection to the sister company HUELSEMANN Coatings GmbH, special paints and color shades are developed according to customer requirements and painted on a contract basis. This advantage makes ROTOVER unique and is a guarantee for success for a target-oriented complete processing of customer projects.
ROTOVER paints small plastic parts, e.g. made of ABS, with special, chrome-free paint systems in modern spray painting systems. Despite the constant contact of the components during the painting process, ROTOVER manages to achieve a smooth and glossy paint surface. The results are particularly effective with metal and anodized colors, such as the component shown here in the matte electroplated look.
We will be happy to check whether your component can also be converted from a chrome VI coating to a drum coating in a dialog and in a product-specific sampling for you. Just get in touch with us.
Who paints ABS components chrome VI-free? ROTOVER - we do it!
ROTOVER Paint Finishing Technology GmbH
Your specialist for barrel painting in contract work
Phone +49 202 271 64 0
info@rotover.de