Chromate FAQ

Below are some common questions related to trivalent and hexavalent chromates. If we did not answer you questions here or you would like to speak to a representative, please contact us and we'll be happy to assist you.

1) What do Chromates do?

The application of Chromates to a metal part serves as a protective barrier, providing resistance to corrosion and ultimately a longer life for the part. They protect against both white and red rust on zinc-plated parts, and come in a variety of colors, including blue, yellow, black, and clear.

2) What makes Saporito's trivalent chromate process superior?

Due to the high quality chromate used by our facility, a bright and high salt spray resistant finish can be achieved quickly and efficiently. Unlike most other chromate processes, our process does not requirstable multiple dips to achieve the same results. In addition, Saporito's trivalent chromates are RoHs compliant and environmentally friendly.

3) What types of Chromate Solutions are available through Saporito?

Saporito strives to meet the standards laid out by the European Union and RoHS by providing both trivalent chromates in blue, yellow, and black finishes, while also meeting the needs of metal finishers working with aluminum, zinc, and cadmium by offering hexavalent chromates.

4) What is the difference between trivalent and hexavalent chromates?

Prior to the introduction of initiatives set forth by the European Union, namely the End of Life of Vehicle (ELV) and Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) initiatives, Hexavalent was the chromate of choice in a variety of industries. Since then, the use of hexavalent chromates has become limited and in many cases has been replaced by the harder, scratch-resistant Trivalent Chromate coatings, which also provide higher heat resistance. Some of the problems encountered by finishers when switching from hexavalent to trivalent chromates include color variability, ability to resist corrosion, and ease of control. Saporitos trivalent chromates address these concerns because they:

1. 1. Produce true conversion coatings on plated alkaline non-cyanide and chloride zinc deposits
2. 2. Offer high salt spray resistance on zinc-plated surfaces
3. 3. are easy to control; utilizing only a single dip, our trivalent chromates are compatible with automatic feeder equipment - helping to boost productivity, too.

5) How will I benefit from using Saporito's trivalent chromates?

Blue Trivalent Chromate:

• High resistance to corrosion
• Does not yellow
• Requires only a single dip
• Blue Bright trivalent chromate
• Utilize for both rack and barrel chromating
• Works well on plated zinc, die cast zinc and galvanized zinc surface

Yellow Trivalent Chromate:

• Requires only a single dip
• Highly resistant to corrosion
• Bakeable – without fading
• Can be utilized for both rack and barrel chromating
• Passes the thumb test, does not wipe off easily
• Offers some UV resistance to the sun
• Bright yellow trivalent chromates

6) Which industries utilize hexavalent and trivalent chromates?

A variety of companies and industries utilize chromate on a large scale to strengthen their metal parts. Some of the major industries are listed below: