What is Chrome 6?
Chrome 6 is used a great deal in the production of vehicles. Its extremely high resistance to corrosion makes it very useful, and hence very common, within the automobile industry.

Why and how is the use of Chrome 6 changing?
Chrome 6 is extremely harmful, both for environmental and health and safety reasons. Not only is it a strong pollutant but, along with other effects, can cause nose ulcers and cancer in humans. For these reasons from 1st July 2003 the European Union (EU) will be enforcing the new 'End of Vehicle Life' (EVL) directive. In a move to reduce the amount of Chrome used in the production of vehicles this directive specifies that no vehicle will be allowed to contain more than 2g Chrome 6.

How will this affect my company and the work we do?
The EVL directive will mean that suppliers will have to guarantee Chrome 6 FREE surfaces. This is a huge change for all suppliers and you need to have confidence that your current metal finishers are both aware of this change and that they are acting on it in an appropriate and positive manner.

How can AST help?
As soon as the new legislation was confirmed AST began research into Chrome 6 free passivation techniques. Working hard to find passivates which not only conformed to this new legislation, but which also retain all the positive characteristics and properties people have come to associate with current passivates. AST now offer Chrome 6 FREE passivates in both yellow and clear finishes which are even now in full production use on our large fully automated plating lines.

What do I do now?
Although these laws do not take effect until 2003 it is important that you prepare yourself for them now. If you are still unclear what these changes mean to you or you have specific questions regarding Chrome 6 free processes and how they can be applied to your business then please contact our Sales Manager to arrange an appointment.

What does the future hold for Chrome finishes?
Due to the harmful nature of Chrome the EU are understandably moving to reduce its use. We know that at the present Chrome 6 is acceptable, but in 2003 only the much safer Chrome 3 will be allowed. Following this reduction the EU then aim to totally stop the use of Chrome 6 in vehicles by 2008 and following that confirm a date for the total withdrawal of Chrome. Although this sounds a long way off at AST we are already nearing the stage when we will be able to offer totally chrome free passivates.