FIMA TECH CHROMIUM: INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE NEW CHROME PLATING PROCESS FOR FIMA TAPS AND FITTINGS
Fima develops the chrome plating process FIMA TECH CHROMIUM. A search of qualitative excellence that enhances the choice of trivalent chromium.
Continued investment in research and innovation. Even when the standards reached are already considerable. Even when there appears to be little room for improvement.
This is the philosophy with which Fima approaches each project. And this is the motivation behind our development of the new chrome plating process FIMA TECH CHROMIUM.
A search for qualitative excellence that enhances and makes trivalent chromium more performing.
RESPONSIBLE CHROME PLATING ONLY TRIVALENT CHROMIUM FOR FIMA TECH CHROMIUM
The choice of only using 100% trivalent chromium in production is nothing new for Fima.
Abandoning use of hexavalent chromium, a recognised carcinogen and harmful for work environments, was a natural decision. In particular, to safeguard the health and safety of those working daily to produce our taps and fittings.
This took place even before standards imposed important restrictions both for Italy and for export, because taking responsibility for our products and people has always been a value for which we are distinguished.
However, the experience acquired over the years of using trivalent chromium urged Fima to look even further ahead.
RESPONSIBLE CHROME PLATING ONLY TRIVALENT CHROMIUM FOR FIMA TECH CHROMIUM
Chrome plating with a trivalent chromium base comes from the automotive industry. It can happen while transferring technology from one sector to another that the optimisation factors do not perfectly correspond with new, sought-after requirements, or better still, at a certain point the know-how acquired enables the possibility of even higher quality standards and performance of the processes, focusing on new use conditions.
This is why FIMA decided to invest in developing a new chrome plating process dedicated exclusively to taps and fittings and water and sanitary sector requirements.
A choice of specialisation, shared with certain researchers and suppliers, provided excellent results by rewarding the constant commitment of the company.
FIMA TECH CHROMIUM begins with a calibrated solution of sulphate trivalent chromium, however it is a meticulous series of technical-functional measures, steps and settings of the plants that allow better control of each work phase to obtain a more performing product.
A sequence tested in every detail, which is not only repetitive but developed exactly to measure for the Fima galvanic department.
A considerable result is obtained from an aesthetic point of view: greater shine and definition even for product lines with particular machining. For example, think about three-dimensional surfaces in the Spillo Tech collection with Cross, Vertical or Godronata textures.
However, the process expresses its best potential in its mechanical characteristics. In fact, perfect control of the thicknesses guarantees unprecedented resistance to corrosion. This is clearly proven in tests carried out in saline mist, where taps are exposed to extreme environmental conditions and reach values well beyond legislative standards.
A level of excellence that already involves Fima’s entire production. And which confirms and maintains the GREEN component of the process.
CHROME PLATING WITH ZERO IMPACT: FIMA TECH CHROMIUM IS ECO-SUSTAINABLE
Choosing trivalent chromium as the starting point for Fima Tech Chromium means conceiving sustainable development also from an environmental point of view.
As early as 2017, Fima invested in an innovative closed cycle galvanic plant fitted with smoke extractors and dampers, to eliminate odours and water filtering systems with such efficiency to allow its reuse and recycling.
A reputable plant which on the one hand limits atmospheric emissions because chromium aerosol is not formed, while on the other considerably reducing process waste such as sludge, which would otherwise be incinerated or stored in landfills. This is why we are talking about a zero impact process.
And it is through this chrome plating plant, equipped with 44 tanks, that Fima manages to obtain the entire range of catalogue galvanic finishes: chromium, black chromium, nickel and gold for the most innovative bathroom and wellness collections, such as SO and O3, but also aged old bronze and antique copper for the more articulated bathroom series and for the kitchen, such as the Settanta29 sink mixer.
The company’s photovoltaic system also contributes to minimising FIMA’s global environmental impact. 500 MW of self-produced energy each year used to power the various departments, including the galvanic one.
A GREEN, long term vocation that never ceases to reach important targets and being the stimulus for constant improvements.
>> WATCH THE VIDEO of the del FIMA Chromium departments
SWITCH GALLERY: THE NEW FIMA SHOWROOM BETWEEN VIRTUAL AND REALITY
