Transformation in the Industry Leads to Future Challenges of Electrodeposition

Abstract

: Industries are developing permanently and therefore are in a constant change. In the last couple of years, some fundamental changes started and will lead to significant challenges of electrodeposition technologies.What are the drivers for such changes? There are two main drivers, one is the legislation, with the REACh as a prominent example, that requires to replace many substances. For the plating industry, the main three substance are hexavalent chrome, Cobalt and PFOS, but also many others. The other driver is the transition of vehicles from internal combustion engines (ICE) to alternative drive train concepts, mainly e-mobility. This transformation gives a new focus on the requirements. The classical requirements, like corrosion- or wear resistance and decorative finishes, will be advanced to multi-functional layers with a strategic focus to electronics and functionalization of components. Electro-deposited layers will play a key role to fulfil such requirements in the future.As a consequence, the requirements to the end product changes and the electroplating industry has new challenges to meet this new requirements. Quick summary and benefit for the audience: The presentation will show examples for global changes in our industry, highlight the resulting technology trends and give examples for potential solutions.