Rockwell Automation has notified 2,000 suppliers worldwide that they must stop using lead in certain products by October 2004. The mandate for Rockwell Automation suppliers comes in advance of pending global environmental regulations.
Rockwell Automation's supplier mandate means that, for example, it will only accept lead free solder, used for circuit boards assembly, or lead free additives, used for electrical cable jackets. Additionally, Rockwell Automation has also established guidelines for suppliers to change to non-Hexavalent Chromium chromate coating technology, also by October 2004. Chromate coatings are used for sheet metal and casting corrosion protection. Rockwell Automation's efforts come well in advance of certain material restrictions imposed by the European Union (EU) affecting electrical and electronic equipment sold in