Decorative trivalent chromium processes Has been used in the decorative market globally for over 40 years. With the upgrading of the hazard level of hexavalent chrome processes as a CMR source, a comparison of the processes is of interest. The major benefit of Trivalent chromium processes is that they are much more versatile. These benefits are summarized below:

• All trivalent chromium processes have complete tolerance to current interruption. If the power goes off when plating in a hex bath you need to strip and replate, with tri you can just continue.
• Due to the processes higher efficiency, low current density areas are covered more completely.
• Barrel plating with trivalent chrome is possible, you cannot do this with hexavalent chrome.
• Distribution is much more uniform.
• Used with ion exchange, the process offers excellent resistance to metallic contamination.
• Chemical purification along with dummy plating are also methods used widely to control contaminants.
• More wear and corrosion resistance compared to hexavalent processes - ~ 20% more in both areas
• Lower hardness than hexavalent chrome - 600-800 against 700-950 Hv
• Good performance in automotive corrosion protection - In excess of 450 hrs NSS and 72 hours CASS from well managed process
• Trivalent deposit appearance is different to hexavalent chrome - Slightly darker and not as blue
• But there is now a process in the market that is almost identical in color to hexavalent chromium

See below 2 pictures depicting the different appearance of the deposits:

Spectral image of the comparison between Hexavalent and Trivalent chrome using Hunter Labs ColorQuest XE Colorimeter: