RoHS compliant plating queries
RoHS compliant plating queries
(OP)
Thanks in advance for any reponses.....
First: I am interested on any comments on RoHS compliance of Electroless Nickel plating. I'm generally thinking of metal substrates, typically Copper alloys. I am vaguely aware that there are different varieties of electroless nickel process, are some questionable in terms of compliance?
Second: what about zinc precoated steel for brackets, chassis etc. No problem there, right?
I don't imagine either are problematic, but I'd appreciate any input.
But the old zinc plate & clear or yellow chromate is out, eh?
Cheers,
Nigel
First: I am interested on any comments on RoHS compliance of Electroless Nickel plating. I'm generally thinking of metal substrates, typically Copper alloys. I am vaguely aware that there are different varieties of electroless nickel process, are some questionable in terms of compliance?
Second: what about zinc precoated steel for brackets, chassis etc. No problem there, right?
I don't imagine either are problematic, but I'd appreciate any input.
But the old zinc plate & clear or yellow chromate is out, eh?
Cheers,
Nigel
Don't ever! Don't ever, ever, ever dumb it down!
with apologies to Sir W. Churchill





RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
Substrates: Lead is found in many free-machining alloys, e.g., Al 2007, Al 2011, Al 2030, 12L14 steel.
Too many Cu alloys to list, you can access at http:/
Also,
Cu casting alloy compositions: http:
Leaded coppers: ht
Leaded brasses: http:
Galvanized (hot dipped) compliance depends upon the supplier. After coating, the galvanized steel is often quenched in a 0.5% hex. Cr bath; this helps prevent 'white rust' and other corrosion during shipping & storage.
Electroplated & mechanically plated zinc, ZnFe, ZnNi, etc., are often given a clear (bright etch, slightly blue), blue, olive or yellow chromate for corrosion protection & coloration. Traditionally hex. Cr, but many trivalent Cr coatings are available. Some require supplemental sealing to match the salt spray resistance of hex. Cr. Depends upon the supplier.
For more info:
http://www.finishing.com/
http://www.metalfinishing.com/
http://www.pfonline.com/
http://www.atotech.com/start.php3?cl_my_id=675813 [Electroless Nickel]
ht
http://www.enthone.com/functional/index.aspx [index of many products. Notes which EN are RoHS compliant, also lists trivalent chromates & sealants for Zn]
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RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
Much appreciated.
This issue may have to be covered by a general note on the drawing, that calls for certificate of RoHS compliance be available for almost any material or process. The reason I say this is, clearly while one may intuitively "know" that a certain matl would not fall into the list of non-compliant "stuff", there are so many pitfalls vis-a-vis residues from processes, %'age alloying elements, different suppliers for the same process, etc etc, that it will be very difficult to state catagorically that ones product is compliant.
Anyone got any thoughts or actions they have taken to effect this? I work for a small company, so resources are limited.
Cheers!
Don't ever! Don't ever, ever, ever dumb it down!
with apologies to Sir W. Churchill
RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
Our choice was notes on the drawings, requiring certs, and testing whenever we had a doubt.
Our company is not too big but the outside consultants we've found have trouble with difference between donkey and elbow when talking about RoHS...even some of the European ones we met with. You are not alone, but it seems that you are going at it alone.
RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
As I suspected, we can choose to get obsessive (and fatten up the consultants) or we can write motherhood statements on our drawings (and let the devil take the hindmost). As always, the pragmatic course is somewhere in between!
Your approach seems reasonable:
1 Educate (can you suggest any handy resouces? I found a ground level primer at http://www.newark.com/services/rohs/#step1
2 State (on drawings)
3 Certificate (from suppliers)
4 Confirm (by means of a QC testing with some kind of tolerance or reasonable historical statistical % inside/outside the limits, perhaps)
Don't ever! Don't ever, ever, ever dumb it down!
with apologies to Sir W. Churchill
RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
http://www.rohswell.com/
I wish they had a forum for discussion though...
RE: RoHS compliant plating queries
It also includes trivalent chromium plating solutions, not required for RoHS but very relevant for platers' health & US OSHA.
ht