What we are working on for 2023:
Christine GoreyA continued focus on meeting the demand for cobalt-free passivates will be realized with the release of three additional cobalt free passivates currently in production trials, a specialized torque tension modifier to meet OEM needs and with the recent approval of our tin-zinc modifier with multiple OEMs, we see additional growth and development there. We will also be announcing additional OEM approvals for both decorative and functional processes.
Our top new products/services for 2022 were:
TriCOL Reclaim® holds the top new product spot for Columbia Chemical for 2022. This innovation of this decorative trivalent process has driven heavy interest worldwide, with installations in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Mexico, and India and pending installations in Asia. The cost savings of 40-60% over traditional trivalent systems is compelling enough, as well as the operational benefits, but CASS at 60 hours, High Chloride Corrosion at 200+ hours, NO post-dip, 1000+ hours NSS, and L values in the ’80s are the performance data points surpassing the competition and driving demand. Another product came from expansion into the Aluminum category with the launch of COLDIP® ALPASS 450; a clear trivalent passivate for aluminum with excellent corrosion protection. Responding to the demand, Columbia also launched COLDIP NI-Z Black Diamond 505 CFT, a cobalt-free black passivate which offers the least amount of alloy loss. This process is in use domestically and in Europe.
What our customers are telling us about 2023:
Customers tell us they see an increase in requests for tin and tin zinc processing from the automotive market. This is a technology interest we have presented in 2022, as its growth is relative to the electric vehicle market. Customers also report increased questions from OEMs regarding their capability and readiness to switch away from decorative hexavalent plating.
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