Press information

SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES awarded contract for a DECOLINE II production line for the finishing of three-dimensional components in the automotive industry

- Environmentally friendly, chromium(VI)-free coating process

- UV lacquering and vacuum coating integrated in inline process

- Substantial cost savings possible

Kahl am Main, January 30, 2018 - SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES) has secured an initial contract from the automotive industry for a production line of the type DECOLINE II for the finishing of three-dimensional plastic components. The DECOLINE II now makes chromium(VI)-free coating of parts for the automotive industry possible.

The DECOLINE II from SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES integrates vacuum metallizing (sputtering) plus all coating and pretreatment steps into a single production process, and transports the components through all process stages automatically. The POLYCOATER vacuum coating system is a core component of the entire line. The POLYCOATER is conceived as an inline machine and operates according to the vacuum sputtering principle. Compared to laborious batch production, which involves evaporation deposition, this solution automates the production process and its short cycle times substantially cut production costs. For optimum, controlled coating of all sides, the components can be rotated in the vacuum. The use of UV lacquers and the scope for recycling these minimizes emissions of environmentally harmful substances.

Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, CEO of SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, declared: "This solution for the finishing of three-dimensional components for the automotive industry is almost unique. With our DECOLINE II, we make chromium(VI)-free coating of automotive components possible. The DECOLINE offers especially the automotive industry the prospect of further cost savings, and markedly simplifies logistics. In the shape of our new DECOLINE II we are able to offer the industry an environmentally friendly process and significant benefits for simplifying their production processes."

The environmentally friendly, low-cost coating technology clearly sets the DECOLINE II apart from traditional coating processes, thus ticking all the boxes for revolutionizing traditional product finishing. The line concept can be used for two and three-dimensional components with a wide variety of characteristics.

Background chromium(VI):
Previous production processes for the manufacturing of chrome vehicle components have resulted in the toxic heavy metal chromium(VI) polluting waste water and being present in hazardous waste. This innovative, environmentally friendly coating process that avoids the use of chromium(VI) produces an identical look and paves the way for other versatile metal coatings, thanks to the use of alloys. According to the German Federal Environment Agency, energy consumption is 60% lower than for chrome plating. The process can be used by suppliers to the automotive industry and in car paint shops, for example for chrome-look built-in parts for bumpers, badges, controls such as pushbuttons, and gear levers.

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Profile SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES builds machinery for efficient and low-resource production processes for the Solar, Semiconductor, Medical Technology, Consumer Goods and Optical Disc areas.

SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES' strategy is based on the use and expansion of its existing core competencies. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES focuses here on coating technology and various different techniques of surface processing, on wet-chemical processes and also on the related chemical and physical processing steps.

For all machines, processes and applications SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES draws upon its know-how in the areas of automation and process technology.

Contact:
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, Hanauer Landstraße 103,
63796 Kahl am Main, Germany,
Maren Schuster, Investor Relations, Tel.: + 49 (0)160 9609 0279
Bernhard Krause, Corporate Communications, Tel.: + 49 (0)170 9202 924