Fully Automated Plastic Electroplating Line for ABS/ABS-PC – Unused 2020 Chrome Plating Plant
Overview
The plant was designed for the electroplating of ABS and ABS/PC plastics. Construction and test operation were completed in 2020; no regular series production was initiated.
The installed process technology is supplied by Atotech and MacDermid Enthone.
The system is fully automated and equipped with an IT infrastructure capable of storing and managing up to 1,000 different technologies and process parameters.
Technical Specifications
Line design: U-shaped electroplating line
Dimensions: 56 m × 11 m × 6 m
Transport system: 10 automated transfer carts
Cycle time: approx. 4 minutes
Control system: PLC-based automation
Process stations and equipment:
152 total positions, including 118 process tanks and 3 buffer stations
Tank dimensions: 450 × 2,500 × 1,500 mm
59 edge exhaust systems
Jig dimensions: 2,300 × 1,300 mm
31 cathode movement units (2D and 3D)
11 separate maintenance tanks
Fully automated heating and cooling via coil systems
Automated chemical dosing via 54 dosing pumps
37 filtration pumps (candle and disc filters)
Ergonomic loading and unloading stations with lift functionality
Semi-automatic replacement of process bars
Dedicated stations for anode baskets and filter maintenance
Automatic filtration system for continuous operation of the matte bath
High-performance oxamate unit supporting the etching line
Rectifier equipment:
16 rectifiers with 2,000 A / 15 V each
2 rectifiers with 5,000 A / 15 V each (manufacturer: RGB)
Process Technology
The pretreatment stage uses a chromic and sulfuric acid-based process.
The electroplating line offers both Cr⁶⁺ coating capability and two different Cr³⁺ coating systems.
This ensures compatibility with traditional and modern environmentally compliant plating requirements.
Quality and Process Stability
Comprehensive technical documentation highlights a series of optimizations aimed at ensuring consistent product quality, including:
Individual cathode movement to prevent crater and bubble defects
Protective trays on transfer cranes to avoid bath contamination
Automatic water and hot-water spray rinsing to prevent staining
Gas cleaning system for emission reduction
Automated temperature regulation of all process baths
Optimized air circulation for bath homogenization
Automatic chemical dosing
Automated filtration systems to reduce particle and spot defects
Laser-guided positioning and industrial WiFi
Buffer stations for process stability
Continuous employee training and chemical parameter monitoring
Environmental and Wastewater Treatment
The plant includes a fully automated wastewater treatment system with a capacity of 196 m³ per day.
The system features two filter presses, separate wastewater streams, and meets all legal requirements for heavy-metal discharge limits.
Key Features
As-new technical condition, without production history
Fully automated process control
Cr⁶⁺ and Cr³⁺ coating capability
Advanced maintenance and service accessibility
High-performance environmental technology
Summary
This system represents a high-quality, fully automated solution for plastic electroplating.
It is particularly suitable for industries requiring superior surface quality and process stability, such as automotive manufacturing, sanitary fittings, electronics, and household goods.
Legal Notice
The above information is based solely on the data provided by the seller. Surplex gives no guarantee regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of this information.
