CR6

CR6 is a designation with primary relevance in two distinct fields: polymer chemistry and 3D printing. In chemistry, CR6 refers to Chromium-6, more commonly known as hexavalent chromium. This is a toxic form of the element chromium, where the chromium atom has a valence of six. It is a known human carcinogen when inhaled and is strictly regulated in industrial settings. Hexavalent chromium was infamously featured in the case dramatized by the film "Erin Brockovich," involving groundwater contamination.

In the consumer technology sector, CR6 is the model name for a specific 3D printer, the Creality CR-6 SE. This Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printer gained popularity for its user-friendly features, particularly its automatic bed leveling system. This technology uses a strain gauge sensor to detect the distance between the printer's nozzle and the build plate, eliminating the need for manual calibration. This feature made the printer particularly appealing to beginners in the 3D printing hobby.

The context is essential for understanding which "CR6" is being discussed. In an environmental or industrial safety article, it almost certainly refers to the hazardous chemical compound. In a technology or maker community context, it identifies the specific model of 3D printer known for its accessibility and innovative leveling solution.