The process of separating chromium from electrolytes had already been described by scientists as early as the middle of the 19th century. ATC coating is deposited by a high-energy process. Since the electrolytes have poor macro throwing power, we normally use auxiliary anodes. The process of depositing chromium is still not fully understood and can only be carried out by adding catalysts to the process. The ATC process uses a special low-temperature technique with temperatures below 80°C at all times, so there is no structural change to the coated materials. The process results in a precision chromium coating; you should therefore never grind the coating layer.

There are various types of galvanisation in use today. The process used for ATC coating is very different from bulk galvanisation.

On account of their size, geometry and specific design, finished or semi-finished parts are fixed to special suspension devices, called racks. Before the start of the process, a precision anode will be specially built for each part; this bespoke anode will provide for an even distribution of current. The racks are then lowered into the treatment baths. This type of coating is very labour-intensive, but the result is a coating of very high quality.

Only a bright metal surface is suitable for chromium coating.

Sharp edges and corners will negatively impact the current distribution and lead to an unfavourable composition of the coating; they should therefore be avoided. Rounding edges and corners to the greatest possible radius will give a much better result. The surface condition and hardness of the base material have a decisive effect on the quality of the ATC coating. As an option, and at the customer‘s request, we may coat only certain parts of a component. There are two ways of carrying out this process: the coating may be allowed to tail off, or those parts of the component that are to remain uncoated can be masked.