Ready for chrome-free regs
25th August 2015

Qualicoat has evaluated and issued formal Qualicoat Approvals for some non-chromate pre-treatment systems for powder coating of aluminium to ensure they meeting its rigorous requirements in preparation for September 2017 when stringent ECHA (European Chemical Agency) regulations come into effect. Approvals from Qualicoat ensure these Chrome free systems meet the quality demands of specifiers and end users.

Over half of the current Qualicoat UK and Ireland applicators are already using, or now in the process of changing to, chrome-free alternatives well ahead of the due date.

Chromate pre-treatment is still being used by some Qualicoat members as it is a resilient and easy to apply conversion layer for aluminium that has been tried and tested for over 60 years. Once the process is complete, the finished aluminium profile, sheet or casting, carries no chrome (VI) and so is safe to use and recycle within the construction supply chain. Applicator employees are protected under the guidance of the COSHH regulations (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) when working with these pretreatment systems.

Chrome-free systems may require additional production equipment and certainly a professional level of process control, both of which are an investment in future production for the applicator. Early adopters of chrome-free pretreatment systems now have a range of systems available and the experience to select systems that suit their plant and throughput. When applied correctly, chrome-free pretreatment systems are as effective as their chrome bearing counterparts.

Copies of the Qualicoat standard, now in its fourteenth edition, are available through the UK association website together with an up to date list of manufacturers and applicators.

www.qualicoatuki.org