CDR GalvanLab®Chemical analyses for decorative electroplatingFor Decorative Electroplating

The Galvanic Analysis for Decorative Finishes.

The quality of the finishing can be appreciated on the piece and is ensured by chemical control of the bath

Chemical rigor behind aesthetic perfection

In decorative electroplating, used in industries such as high fashion, designer furniture and luxury automotive, aesthetic quality is not only decided at the final inspection. Brilliance, color uniformity, coverage and the absence of defects depend on the chemical balance of the bath during the entire processing cycle.

The real challenge is not to get a single piece perfect, but to maintain the same result batch after batch. Visible halos on inspection, color shading, opacity, micro-porosity, or tone differences can result from unintercepted changes in time in critical parameters, such as pH, metal concentration, or the balance of brightening additives.

Directly on-site analytical testing

CDR GalvanLab® brings analytical control close to the production line, reducing dependence on external laboratory wait times. Rapid and timely monitoring of bath parameters allows operators to correct any imbalances before they become visible defects on the part. The result is a monitored process and a more stable finish, ensuring consistent brilliance and shade for each individual batch.

Value your time

Discover all the advantages of our analysis system:

  • Simple

    Simple analysis methods in a few easy steps

  • Reliable

    Results correlated with reference methods

  • Fast

    Results in a few minutes

  • Ready to use

    Pre-filled and disposable reagents

  • Practical

    Very simple or no sample preparation

  • No calibration

    Supplied already calibrated

  • Online help

    Step by step analysis guide directly on display

  • Always ready

    Analysis of one or more samples at any time

FAQ/Frequently Asked Questions About CDR GalvanLab®

  • A: The system’s reliability is confirmed by studies conducted by universities and specialized institutes. CDR GalvanLab® utilizes the same analytical technology developed and refined by CDR laboratories over more than 20 years of experience. The accuracy and reliability of our analytical methods are widely recognized, so much so that our procedures are used by prestigious multinational corporations for their internal quality control.

  • A: All CDR analytical procedures are strictly aligned with international reference methods in the field. The data demonstrate an excellent correlation between the results obtained with our system and those obtained using traditional techniques, whether they be classical titrations or advanced instrumental methods such as atomic absorption.

  • A: Upon startup, the instrument automatically performs a readout cell check and halts the analysis if an error occurs. In addition, CDR provides samples with predefined results—known as Control Solutions—that allow you to regularly verify both the instrument’s performance and the operator’s accuracy. Integration with SAP further supports system status monitoring.

  • A: No, CDR GalvanLab® does not require periodic maintenance or cleaning.

    This is made possible by optical technology based on LED emitters, which do not require calibration or replacement, unlike traditional tungsten lamps or other more delicate photometric systems. The system does not drift over time and does not require corrective action.

    Its compact design and the absence of delicate moving parts make the instrument rugged and ideal for direct use on the production floor, even in the challenging industrial environments typical of surface treatment and electroplating lines. The system is designed to withstand intensive work cycles, ensuring operational continuity without ever having to interrupt operations for scheduled maintenance.

  • A: Because CDR GalvanLab® analyzers are pre-calibrated at the factory along with their reagents, with calibration data built into the instrument and each batch of reagents aligned with previous batches. An automatic check at startup verifies performance, eliminating the need for periodic calibration by the user; however, if necessary, fine-tuning can still be performed to align with alternative methods or existing data sets. For a more detailed explanation of how calibration is designed and managed, click here to read the full article.

  • A: No qualified technicians are needed: the system is intuitive and accessible to anyone.

  • A: CDR GalvanLab® uses minimal amounts of reagents, significantly reducing risks to the operator compared to traditional methods. Furthermore, the use of microanalysis contributes to sustainability by reducing reagent consumption, waste generation, and emissions, while ensuring safe and efficient quality control in electroplating processes.

  • A: The cost per analysis is very competitive thanks to the shift to a micro-volume analytical approach. Compared to traditional methods, CDR procedures use minimal volumes of reagents and samples: this ensures a drastic reduction in the costs of purchasing and disposing of chemical solvents, proving particularly advantageous and sustainable for the analysis of precious metal baths.

    This reduction in consumable costs is complemented by the instrument’s operational advantages: faster turnaround times and no maintenance or calibration costs whatsoever, thanks to the long-term reliability of LED optical technology.