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Services by business type: Metal Finishers

The combination of the new OSHA standards with the European RoHS rules are a double-whammy for metal finishers.  All chromate conversion treatments come under the European RoHS rules, while any process that uses Cr⁶⁺ comes under the OSHA regulations, even if it does not leave chromate on the surface (this includes chrome plating, chromic anodizing and passivation).  Even Ni-plate finishes are coming under increasing attack in California and elsewhere.  Finding and qualifying alternatives raises costs, and new processes often add cost in a market where additional costs cannot easily be passed on to the customer.  At the same time the European rules are killing the market for many finishing processes and reducing finishers’ incomes.  While in some industries (particularly aerospace) customers are no longer specifying chrome and cadmium plate, instead moving to technologies such as HVOF and AlumiPlate.

However, this is also a strong growth opportunity for finishers with the vision and ability to offer the clean alternatives that the market demands – non-chromate corrosion treatments, new anodization treatments, alloy electroplates, Al-based anti-corrosion coatings, HVOF sprays in place of chrome plate.  Many of these processes are fairly easy to pick up and familiar to the finisher.  Others, however, are a whole new world, such as HVOF coatings or Al anti-corrosion coatings.

With our broad knowledge of surface finishing processes and materials, and OEM requirements, we can provide assistance to finishers in choosing the best processes to offer, putting them into production and training the workforce:

• Market analysis to identify the changing needs and markets for new technologies and processes in the industry you serve

• Identify the best and most cost-effective alternative processes and materials to meet US and European rules

• Assist with qualifying new finishing technologies bringing them rapidly into production

• Assist with developing specifications for alternative materials and processes

• Provide training to the workforce to ensure a smooth transition.

• For suppliers wanting to offer thermal spray (HVOF) in place of hard chrome:

  • Analyze the market in the industry or region you serve to understand customer needs, volume and price points

  • Identify the best thermal spray equipment and materials to meet your needs in the most cost-effective manner

  • Provide assistance in optimizing spray parameters for the most cost-effective process, developing specs and standards relevant to your product line, and qualifying coating processes and materials

  • Provide training for your workforce.

Commercial Services

• Meeting the OSHA Cr6+ PEL

• Meeting the European Rules

• Services by Business Type

  • OEMs

  • OEM Suppliers

  • Material & Chemical Suppliers

  • Metal Finishers

  • Overhaul & Repair

  • Alternative Techs.

• Market Analysis

Government Services