New EnDOtec SAFE-HARD 600 wire range – Inspired by safety, engineered for performance

Castolin Eutectic is pleased to introduce the new EnDOtec Safe-Hard 600 welding wire range, which is free of chromium and nickel, presents reduced fume emissions and complies with the strictest European Exposure Occupational Limits.

After two years of investigation, laboratory and field testing, Safe-Hard 600 arrives to the market to provide better performance and absolutely zero risk of CrVI emissions coming from the welding material.

Inspired by Safety – We are striving for elimination of CrVI from the working environment

Worldwide, 11 million workers are estimated to be employed as welders, and around 110 million additional workers probably incur welding-related fume exposure. Exposure determinants include the process, material welded, ventilation, degree of enclosure and use of personal protection.

Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI) is the chromium in any chemical compound that contains the element Cr in the +6 oxidation state. CrVI can be formed when welding on different base materials and using different filler metals. The critical effect of the hexavalent chromium (CrVI) - containing compounds is lung cancer among other physical issues like hypersensivity, corrosion of the skin, irritation of the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.

The European Directive 2017/2398 sets the occupational exposure limit (OEL) for the Cr(VI) to 0,025mg/m3 and after 5 years a decrease to 0,005mg/m3. Some more stringent requirements are already in place in countries like Germany, France, USA.

Safe-Hard 600 fumes contain no CrVI. Mission accomplished!

Engineered for Performance   

At Castolin Eutectic we are experts in hardfacing and always think of welders and nearby workers as the key persons in our business. The most popular filler metal in the hardfacing market is the 600 HB wire type, whose resistance is based on the 9%Cr and 0.6%C chemistry. According to the figures from the European Welding Association, we can estimate a volume of 1.000 tons in flux cored wire and 1.800 tons in solid wire usage in Europe alone. Emissions of CrVI from this big volume welding material are potentially very dangerous for welders and nearby workers.

The main feature of this kind of wires is the right balance between abrasion and impact resistance at a good average price. The new EnDOtec SAFE-HARD 600 is a Solid Core Wire with its well-known benefits and therefore can cover both flux cored wire and solid wire applications with added value. The excellent new chemistry improves abrasion and impact resistance compared to traditional 600HB without any risk of cracking.

Not just Safe, but much better performing.

Extraction and filtration of fumes are still mandatory. Safe-Hard actively contributes to reduce the risk, but personal protection and compliance with all safety rules must be respected.