"Changes in regulations, DoD policies and contractual requirements are driving manufacturers and suppliers to find the best alternatives to coatings and treatments that utilize compounds containing hexavalent chromium such as chromate conversion coatings, chromate sealers, and chromated wash primers. Alternatives to other materials that have environmental and health issues such as cadmium and high-VOC solvents and paints are also being investigated. This drive has gained impetus from last year's memo from the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics that established a Defense Department policy on minimizing the use of hexavalent chromium. It is anticipated that this policy will soon be enforced through modifications to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations whereby no DoD contract may include a specification or standard that results in a deliverable containing hexavalent chromium (with certain exceptions). This is creating both issues and opportunities for designers, manufacturers, users and maintainers.
ASETSDefense, in collaboration with the National Association for Surface Finishing, will hold a Workshop at the annual NASF SUR/FIN Conference to help designers and manufacturers meet the new requirements with technologies that do not impact performance, while helping users deal with the changes in maintenance and overhaul that will come with the new approaches. This will also be an opportunity for manufacturers and DoD users to voice concerns and to help determine the direction for development of improved materials and processes.
The Workshop is offered for a special low fee, and Workshop attendees will also be able to attend any of the NASF SUR/FIN conference sessions at no additional cost. There will be a special pavilion in the SUR/FIN trade show for DoD organizations and for manufacturers that provide products and services related to military vehicles.
Attendees and trade show pavilion organizations should register at the address shown in the attached flyer: (
CLICK HERE)
DoD and commercial organizations wishing to provide a briefing at the workshop should contact Keith Legg at the address and phone number shown below.
Keith O. Legg, ASETSDefense TechnicalManager
Advanced Surface Engineering Technologies for a Sustainable Defense
Rowan Technology Group
1590 S. Milwaukee Ave, Suite 205
Libertyville, IL, 60048
Phone: (847) 680-9420; Fax: (847) 680-9682; Mobile: (847) 219-9868
klegg@rowantechnology.com Web sites:
ASETSDefense and Database:
www.asetsdefense.org 
