Alternatives to electrodeposited coatings

Problem statement

As the watch industry innovates, addressing safety, security, and ecological concerns in coating processes is crucial. Coating over 80 different components, this Swiss watchmaking company relies on electroplating techniques for gold and nickel, using racks and baskets for materials like copper alloys (e.g., brass) and steel alloys (e.g. carbon steel). These components feature complex geometries and require precise surface finishes.

Traditional electroplating methods, however, present challenges related to security, worker safety, and environmental impact.

Aimed for solution

In collaboration with a renowned Swiss watchmaking company, we are seeking innovative coating solutions to replace traditional gold and nickel electroplating. These solutions should:

• Address security, safety, and ecological concerns.
• Maintain or improve the functional (e.g. corrosion-resistance, tribological) and aesthetic properties of current coatings.
• Be compatible with existing substrate materials and complex geometries.

 There are two possible approaches that you can tackle separately:

1. New Coating Techniques: Explore novel methods for applying gold and nickel coatings (or nickel-alternatives) without the use of traditional electroplating.
2. Alternative Materials for Nickel: Identify new materials that offer similar properties to nickel without using electrodeposition. Replacing gold is not an option.

Via the tab “Guidelines” you can find specific criteria relevant for the new approaches. Via the tab “Submission” you can learn how to submit your approaches.

You have more questions? Join our Q&A Calls together with the watchmaking company on December 3 or January 21 at 15:00 (CET). Click here to register for the event.