Global Fastener News

Hex Chrome Tests Impractical

Jason Sandefur

As deadlines loom for European directives to eliminate hexavalent chromium from vehicles and electrical goods, debate about assurance is increasing. According to Fastener & Fixing Europe magazine, the reliability of so-called ‘spot tests’ has been brought into question by evidence of possible ‘false-positive’ results.
Finishing and coatings specialists Atotech, whose technical centre is in Berlin, has been working with the DIN organization to develop an acceptable standard test for the presence of Cr+6. During a seminar organized by the British Association of Fastener Distributors, Atotech concluded that the test procedure is impractical for the majority of fastener distributors, placing the burden of compliance on plating and testing firms. A typical test on a single fastener currently costs around $50, generating concerns about the costs of assuring compliance.
For more information on hex chrome, see the August 24, 2005, issue of FIN. �2005 FastenerNews.com