4. Chrome-free satin challenge

Chromium-free satin finishing processes can achieve the same degree of etching as a more or less concentrated chromium satin finishing process, in terms of roughness, adhesion and surface analysis, as previously presented.

However, chrome-free satin finishing processes must not only meet the challenge of metallizing ABS and/or PC/ABS parts, they must also :

• be stable and efficient over time, such as the CrVI etching process, to support industrial production around the clock;

• offer the same degree of selectivity as a chromic process, i.e. :

  • metallizing the parts to be treated, while avoiding metallizing the fixtures to which the parts are attached;

  • metallizing only the ABS part of the part during the process if several...