Summary
Galvanised chromium-plating produces heavy metal compounds (chrome VI), waste water and hazardous waste. The aim of the project was the large-scale introduction of a new process that avoids this negative impacts and forms a more corrosion-resistant layer. Since 2013, "Bix Beschichtungen GmbH" has been developing coatings that can imitate and replace real chrome surfaces in a wide variety of effects. In addition, the paint layers are significantly lighter than conventional chrome coatings.
In the project, a painting plant for the application of a coating system on plastic substrates was planned and put into operation. The components are positioned in the painting cabin with the aid of a handling robot. For the overspray removal, dry scrubbing with rotating brushes was implemented for the first time.
The cleanliness of the plastic parts and the exclusion of dust are decisive for the coating, as the paint layers are only a few thousandths of a millimeter thick. For this reason, the painting plant is located in a clean room. In addition, a CO2 dry ice cleaning system with rotating brushes was used to pre-clean the plastic parts.
The process has the potential to be transferred to new applications in the automotive sector, such as body trimmings, radiator grills, metal fittings and lights.
Achieved savings:
- 4.8 t/a heavy metals (chrome VI)
- 14,700 m³/a Fresh or waste water
- 4,437 MWh/a Energy
