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RoHS compliant Hard Chrome plating

Is it possible to do RoHS compliant Hard Chrome plating? One of the supplier said it is impossible due to Cr+6. Same time other supplier claims that it is possible. I do not understand and I do not have much knowledge about plating
Please help

Regards
Singh

Surinderpal Singh
Product Designer - Florham Park, New Jersey, U.S.A.
November 8, 2010

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Hi, Surinderpal.

This question has been asked and answered many times because it is very confusing to people who "do not have much knowledge about plating". Hard chrome plating is done in chromic acid (hexavalent chromium), and hexavanlent chromium is not RoHS compliant. But hard chrome plating is metal, it does not include any hexavalent chromium, so it is RoHS compliant. The components do, however, require thorough rinsing to make sure none of the hexavalent plating solution that they were processed in remains clinging to them. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 9, 2010

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Surinderpal,

The term 'RoHS compliant ', has been loosely used these days. I have customers requesting RoHS compliant, later to find out the compliance was for different environment standards or different industries. This is what you should do first. Ask your customer, RoHS compliant to which environment standard?

1. RoHS compliant as to European Union Directive 2002/95/EC?
2. RoHS compliant as to MNC ( multi national corporation ) environment standard?There are many within this category.Also, within this category, some requirements are the same as Directive 2002/95/EC, some are not.

SK Cheah
- Penang, Malaysia
November 12, 2010