The advantages of galvanised real metal surfaces
CREON METAL SURFACES combine the unbeatable advantages of galvanised real metal surfaces with innovative, environmentally friendly process, technology and sustainability standards.
The advantages and design freedom of plastic injection moulding combined with the high-quality and durable properties of real metal surfaces are therefore perfect surfaces for the sustainable vehicle generations of the future.
The process for manufacturing CREON surfaces completely dispenses with the use of chromium trioxide and fluorinated surfactants (PFAS). Developed jointly by member companies of the Fachverband Galvanisierte Kunststoffe e.V. (FGK), CREON METAL SURFACES is based on a sustainable production process.
One important aspect here is the conservation of resources: all manufactured components can be 100 per cent recycled and both metal and plastic parts can be reused. Customers are also offered the option of using recycled material in the production of injection moulded parts.
The CREON surfaces do not lose any of the familiar versatile design options in terms of colouring and textures.
The technology is particularly suitable for the high demands of the automotive industry and opens up a wide range of options for designers and manufacturers. The innovative use of texture combinations, 3D shapes and surfaces makes attractive visual and tactile effects possible.
The excellent interplay with light and the possible integration of interaction elements significantly improve the effect, user-friendliness and functionality – in short, the design experience – of the components.
But CREON surfaces not only score points visually and haptically: they also offer significant advantages by making a major contribution to achieving sustainability goals:
- They are manufactured 100 per cent without the use of chromium(VI).
- Production takes place 100 per cent without the use of PFAS-containing substances in the process.
- The customer is given a take-back guarantee for the products at the end of their service life, with the assurance that the components of these products will be recycled for reuse (material recycling). Thermal utilisation explicitly does not count as reuse.
- The customer is given the opportunity to produce the component to be coated with a recycled content of at least ten per cent to be specifically agreed.
- Production is CO2-neutral in terms of Scope 1 and 2.
Use of the CREON METAL SURFACES brand is only permitted for companies under a licence agreement, provided that they either already meet the high requirements of the new brand or will meet them when the first deliveries begin.
In addition, upstream suppliers can apply for a licence of use if their processes, products and services contribute to the implementation of the CREON process.
The German Galvanised Plastics Association (FGK)
The Fachverband Galvanisierte Kunststoffe e.V. (FGK) was founded in 2008 and represents qualified surface technology companies with a focus on decorative and functional electroplated coatings on plastic components, primarily for the demanding automotive industry.
As suppliers of electroplated plastic parts, FGK members are not only responsible for the actual coating, but also for the production of the component or further processing steps at the request of their customers.
Design, toolmaking, injection moulding, the galvanised end product and assembly activities – everything comes from a single source. In addition, they also represent the area of contract processing for their customers with their own injection moulding or for setting suppliers.
The FGK focuses on the further development of high-quality real metal surfaces, also through close cooperation with scientific institutions, associations – including within the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO) – and other bodies and organisations in the field of electroplated plastic coating
We support our members in the
- Further development of surface properties with regard to quality and economical production
- Further development of processes and surfaces with regard to environmental compatibility and safety
- Participation in the drafting of national and international standards and other regulations
- Market observation of plastic electroplating in Germany and the EU as well as its users with regard to quality requirements, surface developments and regional and global location changes
- Further development of the job profile and specialist qualifications in the field of plastic electroplating
HübnerKTB is proud to have been a partner in the development of CREON and can of course offer components with this surface.
