![pub](/gifs/pub.png)
Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
-----
What alternatives are available for Chromate Coatings?
We have been instructed to stop using Chromate Conversion Coatings due to the environmental concerns of Hexavalent Chromium. We have been using Clear & Yellow Chromate Coatings on Aluminum parts for electrical conductivity. What alternatives do we have to replace this finish?
Samusel Ferguson- Newark, DE, USA
2005
First of two simultaneous responses --
I gave a paper at SurFin 2004. "Conversion coatings for Aluminum and Magnesium". It includes non-chrome processes. The paper is available from AESF [www.nasf.org].
![don baudrand](../portraits/don_baudrand.jpg)
Don Baudrand
Consultant - Poulsbo, Washington
(Don is co-author of "Plating on Plastics" [on Amazon or AbeBooks affil links]
and "Plating ABS Plastics" [on Amazon or eBay or AbeBooks affil links])
2005
Second of two simultaneous responses --
Sam
You do have an alternative that gives you everything except the yellow color. The new products are based on trivalent chrome and meet or exceed the requirements of MIL-C-5541 and the conductivity test. This material has been in the works for a while now but until the pressure was put on by political and environmental groups changing wasn't eminent. Now things are really moving!
![drew nosti](../portraits/drew_nosti2.jpg)
Drew Nosti, CEF
Anodize USA
![supporting advertiser](../letters/support.png)
Ladson, South Carolina
![anodizeusa1](../equipment/anodizeusa/anodizeusaConsult.png)
2005
Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread