Electroplating Work Group
Drive industry progress in the shift to hexavalent chromium-free and PFAS-free processes for electroplated components.
AIAG’s Electroplating Work Group — comprised of multiple industry stakeholders, including OEMs, electroplating applicators, and electroplating chemical suppliers — serves as a forum to address key drivers and challenges in transitioning to hexavalent chromium-free and PFAS-free processes for manufacturing decorative and functional electroplated components for automotive OEMs.
Key objectives include the technical development of new process chemistries, addressing operational aspects of the industry transformation, and exploring ways to expedite a smooth transition to these new technologies while maintaining optimum quality and uninterrupted supply.
Focus Areas
- Hexavalent Chrome to trivalent chrome replacement
- PFAS elimination in the electroplating process.
- Immediate target: decorative chrome finishing
| Current Participants | |
|---|---|
| Atotech USA | MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions |
| Columbia Chemical | Master Finish Company |
| Flex-N-Gate Corporation | Microfinish |
| Ford Motor Company | NASF | The Policy Group |
| Guardian Industries Corp. | PAVCO Inc. |
| Hino Motors Manufacturing USA, Inc. (HMM USA) | Pune In Innov Ctr Loc |
| Kimball Electronics, Inc. | Toyota Motor North America |
Essential Details
In the automotive industry, electroplating — a process in which a thin layer of metal is deposited onto a surface using an electric current — is widely used to enhance durability, prevent corrosion, and provide a polished, high-quality finish on various components.
While hexavalent chromium has traditionally been the preferred plating material for its hardness and wear resistance, environmental and health concerns due to its classification as a carcinogen have driven increased regulatory pressure to transition to trivalent chromium, a safer alternative.
Governments worldwide, including agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have imposed stricter emissions standards and workplace safety regulations to limit exposure to hexavalent chromium, pushing manufacturers toward adopting trivalent chrome plating for a more sustainable and compliant future. This shift is vital for meeting environmental requirements while maintaining the performance and aesthetics expected in automotive finishes.