Appliance Design - September 2008 - (Page 36) INDUSTRIAL DESIGN & HUMAN FACTORS increase in the price of nickel, which is a prime ingredient in stainless steel. So, designers are exploring cheaper alternatives to achieve a stainless steel look such as using films and coatings to achieve a faux stainless steel look. Manufacturers desiring the traditional chrome look are also looking at new alternatives as the cost of electroplated chrome has escalated and environmental regulations have made the use of electroplated chrome unwelcome in European Union countries as a result of the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances regulations. Since July, 2006, the ROHS directive has restricted the amount of lead, mercury, cadmium, polybrominated biphynyls, polybrominated-diphenyl ether, and hexavalent chromium. Designers whose products are to be sold in Europe had to rework the materials that they used to comply with RoHS. Restrictions are being discussed in other areas as well. Published reports say that the EU is reviewing another 46 substances to see if they need to be limited in products. In addition, China is reportedly working on similar restrictions. In the U.S., individual states including Maine and Massachusetts At each stage of a product’s lifecycle, resources and energy are used and unwanted emissions and waste are created. Much of this impact is due to materials and their processing. The EMIT Consortium will focus on reducing this impact. Source: Granta Design Connections Evolved ETCO’s patented, revolutionary Flat-Snap product has evolved to the next level of innovation. In addition to the unisex connection, the Flat-Snap can now be connected to a UL male combo tab* that provides greater surface contact and significant performance advantages. In addition, either Flat-Snap will stay connected in high vibration environments better than standard connections. open barrel design with a high-integrity “f” crimp Secure connection not affected by vibration New male tab provides more surface contact locking clip prevents bendback Manufactured by: Call 401.467.2400 or email sdunn@etco.com for a product sample. ETCO Incorporated 25 Bellows Street : Warwick, RI 02888 *the male tab also accepts traditional “push on” quick-connects and in-line disconnects. AD04084Etco.indd 1 36 applianceDESIGN September 2008 3/12/08 9:43:18 AM www.applianceDESIGN.com http://www.appliancedesign.com
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