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The advantage of using trivalent chromate for galvanic protection

2006

We are a small manufacturer of pneumatic cylinders for the trucking industry. I have been told that the current process zinc dichromate that we are using on our end caps is going to be changed due to environmental reasons.
Our plater tells us that by using trivalent chromate we can get better protection.
Is their anyone in this forum that has used this plating and if so what kind of results were had?

Thomas Sparks
manufacturing - Brantford, ON, Canada

In brief, hexavalent chromate is toxic and forbidden by some European Parliament rules, so the world is converting to trivalent chromates. In general they are not "better", but they are necessary and can be just as good in most cases. But make sure that you specify compliance to the same salt spray life that you were previously getting. Also, if the parts require conductivity, or if they will be painted or powder coated, it may be more difficult to insure satisfaction.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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