NASF June 2011 ISSUE
COVER STORY
Pollution Control and the Plating Industry
A metal finishing consultant looks at the present state of affairs in a dynamic, constantly changing and increasingly controversial area - pollution control in the plating industry. The social, political, economic and technological aspects of the problem are all considered.
#pollutioncontrol
FEATURES
AESF Foundation Educational Opportunities
AESF Foundation offers a variety of educational training options.Electroplating
Cobalt-Free Technology for Trivalent Chromates on Zinc Plating
Corrosion and appearance requirements for plated steel parts continue to increase, while at the same time ever more restrictive environmental regulations are being put into place. As if these hurdles are not challenging enough for both process suppliers and applicators, there exists the compelling directive to reduce costs. Much of this is initially introduced by the European automotive industry, but then quickly spreads to automakers worldwide and to most other industries. In the field of zinc plating, the focus is on the protective conversion coatings and top coats that are applied to the zinc deposit. This paper examines the advantages of new cobalt-free technology as well as what is on the horizon regarding future requirements and regulations for zinc plating.Corrosion Resistance Mechanism of a Chromium-Free Zinc-Flake Coating Film on Scratched Areas -
Chromium-free zinc flake coatings (zinc-rich paint) are used for automotive parts and construction parts, etc. that require a high degree of corrosion protection. The demand for this process is extremely high due in part to its being an environmentally-friendly, chromium-free process. Currently, the automotive industry and others are looking for this type of coating which exhibits superior performance. In 2008, we studied the high corrosion resistance mechanism of the chromium-free zinc flake coating film using polarization curves. Currently, we are working on studying this mechanism in greater detail, focusing on how corrosion is controlled, even on areas that are scratched.NASF Government & Industry Affairs Update
New EPA Risk Assessment on Chromium: On September 30, 2010, EPA issued a new Cr6 draft health assessment, which is now pending.NASF Washington Forum
Final agenda for the 2011 NASF Washington Forum on April 11-14.Electroplating