Letter 39051

RoHS compliance plating [California] 

January 17, 2006

Hello,

Could someone tell me what RoHS compliance plating would be the best to replace Hard Anodize (Black color)?

John Ng
MFG. - Palo Alto, CA

Umm, probably Hard Anodize. Who told you hard anodize wasn't RoHS compliant, and on what basis did they say it wasn't?

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

The only part of the anodizing process that MAY cause RoHS problems is the dye. If your dyeing, check with the dye manufacturer.

Justin Crisp
- Indianapolis, IN, USA

While I fully agree with both Ted and Justin, I remain puzzled about the source of the question. A very large computer manufacturer asked the same question having heard that black anodize is non-RoHS compliant! I'm assuming that this stems from the minor chromium content in SOME dyes, however, I'm not sure as to the valence state of the chromium in the dye, nor the level of chromium incorporated in the resultant coating. The fact that several people are confused on the subject might be cause for all users of black dye to go back to their manufacturers and get their dye manufacturer's "RoHS compliant declaration". The fact that there are so many black dyes to choose from might also complicate the issue if some are and some aren't.

Milt Stevenson, Jr. Anoplate Corp Syracuse, NY, USA

The suppliers of our black dye and seal have certified them as RoHS complient.

Chris Jurey Luke Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc. Wadsworth, OH

I want to answer or follow-up on this subject publicly (in non-commercial fashion).

 

My company is a supporting advertiser at finishing.com and we want the contact information to reach the inquirer privately.

 

I want to post a new question or inquiry of my own on a different subject.