Environmentally sound
Cr(VI)-free and boric acid-free formulation, Pb-free anodes
Alternative to Cr(VI)-plating
Exhibits same benefits associated with MKS’ Atotech functional Cr(VI) processes
Corrosion protection
Superior class of corrosion resistance (with nickel underlayer)

- Cr(VI)-free formulation
- Pb-free anodes
- Low friction coating
- Excellent wear resistance
- Superior class of corrosion resistance (with nickel underlayer)



- Automotive applications
- Hydraulic rods
- Construction and oil and gas industries
BluCr®
A big step towards the future sustainability of hard chrome plating
BluCr® is the first trivalent chromium hard chrome plating process in the market. MKS’ Atotech trivalent chromium process eliminates hexavalent chromium and toxic lead anodes therefore making hard chrome plating significantly less hazardous and safer for platers and the environment.
The low friction and good wear resistance properties of BluCr® make it simple to replace hexavalent hard chrome coatings for many applications.
The success of hard chrome plating since the 1920s is unquestioned. However, the latest legislations restricting the use of hexavalent chromium substances puts the future of the current processes in jeopardy. We are proud to release a functional trivalent hard chrome process that can replace hexavalent processes for a large range of applications.
What inspires us
Why we developed BluCr®
Your challenge
Hard chrome coatings are subject to ever more stringent legal restrictions. A solution needs to be found to reduce the potential risks to the environment and personnel causing by the hazardous nature of hard chrome plating. However, an alternative process has to offer the same wear resistance and corrosion protection properties associcated with Cr(VI) coatings.
Our solution
BluCr® is hexavalent chromium and boric acid-free, complying with REACH regulations. The trivalent hard chrome process exhibits all the same benefits associated with Atotech’s hexavalent chromium processes. This includes fast plating speed and remarkable bath stability as well as high hardness deposits and wear resistance. Utilizing a nickel underlayer BluCr® easily outperforms the corrosion resistance of single layer hexavalent hard chrome coatings.