Episode 6: Transitioning Hexavalent Chromium to Trivalent, Part 2
In this episode of On the Line, Products Finishing editor-in-chief Scott Francis sits down with Bryan Leiker and Justin Guzman representing the Metal Finishers Association of California to discuss the impact of California’s recently proposed transition deadlines for hexavalent chromium plating to trivalent chromium alternatives.
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Several California plating operations, such as Aircraft X-Ray Laboratories, process parts for aerospace and defense OEMs. Justin Guzman, president of the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California and president of Aircraft X-Ray Laboratories in Los Angeles, says that CARB’s recently proposed hex chrome regulations will force many of those finishers out of the state and place a burden on the rest of the country for defense.
In late April the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed aggressive deadlines for a hexavalent chromium plating to trivalent chromium transition in the state. While, hex chrome regulations are not a new challenge for surface finishers, this latest proposal would accelerate the timeline for plating regulations in California. Many platers are worried about their businesses and their livelihoods.
In this episode of On the Line, we sit down with Bryan Leiker, executive director of the Metal Finishers Assn of California (MFACA) and manager of K&L Anodizing in Burbank and Justin Guzman, president of the Metal Finishing Association of Southern California (MFASC) and president of Aircraft X-Ray Laboratories in Los Angeles. The discussion covers what the California Air Resources Board’s recently proposed hexavalent chrome to trivalent deadlines might mean for plating operations not only in California, but for the industry at large.
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Learn more about the proposed CARB ruling in these stories:
California Metal Finishers React to Proposed Hex Chrome Regulations
California Rule to Transition Hexavalent Chromium Processes to Trivalent Chromium
And check out PF’s previous episode of On the Line for some background on trivalent chromium solutions:
Episode 5: Transitioning Hexavalent Chromium to Trivalent, Part 1
The MFACA has launched a campaign to gather support and is asking anyone involved in metal finishing from employees to OEMS utilizing finishing services to reach out to CARB regarding the impact these rules will have on the surface finishing industry. Contact Eugene Rubin of CARB at Eugene.rubin@arb.ca.gov or call 916-323-0006.
Visit mfaca.org for more information on how you can get involved in this conversation.
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