Atotech USA, LLC

A new generation of sustainable fume suppressants for Cr(VI) hard chrome plating

Fumalock^® is the first non-PFOS, non-PFAS and fluorine-free fume suppressant for hexavalent hard chrome plating on the global market. The highly effective fume-suppressing process is fully compliant with non-PFOS and non-PFAS legislation and directives. Based on surface-active components it is designed to form a dense foam barrier layer preventing the exhaust of hazardous aerosols. Fumalock^® provides an excellent balance between a controlled foam blanket and the reduction of surface tension to values below 40 (30 - 38) mN/m.

Features and benefits

• Non-PFOS, non-PFAS and non-fluorine-based process
• Complies with EPA, CEPA and REACH regulations
• Greatly reduces chromic acid misting during operation
• Controllable dense foam blanket thickness and surface tension
• Passes the NESHAP stack test

Exceptional resistance against corrosive environments

MKS’ Atotech new high-phosphorus electroless nickel process, Nichem^® HP 1170, is able to fulfill current, rigorous demands and specifications and is prepared for future applications. Nichem^® HP 1170 offers the highest level of corrosion protection available in the market today.

Nichem^® HP 1170 provides exceptional corrosion protection and wear resistance to a multitude of substrates in all types of environments. The process is suitable for a wide range of applications in the automotive, oil, gas, and chemical industries, as well as offshore construction, agriculture, and heavy machinery industries. Nichem^® HP 1170 is a sustainable process: it is lead- and cadmium-free and meets the highest standards of environmental compliance, including ELV, RoHS, and WEEE.

Features and benefits

• Superior corrosion resistance
• Excellent wear resistance
• Bright and consistent appearance
• Pb and Cd-free (ELV, RoHS, and WEEE compliant)

Deposit characteristics

• Improved wear resistance                           
• Greater hardness
• Superior corrosion resistance
• Better heat resistance
• Lower coefficient of friction
• Chemical inertness
• Higher galling resistance
• Enhanced abrasion resistance
• Ability to take high polish

Features and benefits

• HEEF^® FCT can help to increase productivity of an existing line
• HEEF^® FCT is compatible with Pt/Ti anodes
• HEEF^® FCT can be used in ‘high speed’ lines
• Especially for shock absorber rods
• Especially for engine valve stem plating

Phosphate-free paint pretreatment for multiple metals

Interlox^® is a zirconium-based, phosphate-free paint pretreatment process that provides superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance for a wide variety of metal substrates. Unlike conventional paint pretreatment processes such as iron phosphate and zinc phosphate, Interlox^® 5707 operates at ambient temperature and produces little to no sludge, contributing to substantial energy savings and consistent process performance.

Features and benefits

• Superior process stability
• Multi-metal capability
• Ambient temperature operation
• Produces minimal sludge and scale compared to conventional processes
• Single product replenishment simplifies process operation
• Suitable for high line-speed applications such as white goods and automotive/motorcycle applications
• Environmentally sound

A superior approach to paint removal

Paint removal requirements come in two forms – part cleaning for fixtures / racking devices and high-value finished part reclamation. Master Remover^®  processes provide a sustainable paint removal solution for paint applicators. It efficiently removes a variety of coatings from a wide range of substrates and may be utilized off-line or in-line as well as by spray or immersion, offering superior process versatility. Providing the performance, quality and safety desired by OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers globally, Master Remover^®  is truly the superior approach to paint removal.

Features and benefits

• Provides a quick return on investment for in-house installation
• Improves operating efficiency with rapid paint removal
• Complies with the most stringent environmental regulations globally
• Provides 100% first pass coating removal
• Eliminates need for secondary cleaning operations
• Decreases process running cost with extended solution life

Sustainable powder paint removal solution

Master Remover^®  7000 was developed with the highest level of versatility in mind. Capable of operation in spray or immersion as well as off-line or in-line applications, Master Remover^®  7000 is a robust and rapid paint removal process for hooks, racks and fixtures. It is compatible with ferrous and light metals (aluminum, zinc, magnesium) and can be used in conjunction with proprietary filtration to extend solution life, offering a sustainable and flexible paint removal process.

Features and benefits

• Highly effective paint removal process for a variety of powder paints
• Non-aqueous single-phase process easy to use and control
• Rapidly removes paint, minimizing downtime and capital required for additional racks and hooks
• Free of hazardous solvents
• Preserves intended substrate, reducing operating costs
• Low energy demand
• Low waste generation

High-efficiency mid-phosphorus electroless nickel process for remarkable low bath loading

Features and benefits

• Pb and Cd- free (ELV and WEEE/RoHS compliant)
• Wide operation window
• Contains 5 – 8% Phosphorus
• Easy initiation at low surface area conditions
• Stable at high surface area conditions
• Excellent initiation on brass and copper
• Extraordinary high tolerance to zinc contamination
• Highly suited to multiple substrates
• Complies with extremely low bath loading
• Consistently high brightness

A versatile alternative to standard bright nickel chrome layers

For decorative applications, MKS Atotech provides fashionable satin nickel finishes as a versatile alternative to standard bright nickel chrome layers or other decorative deposits. Our processes from the Satilume^®  Plus range provide a variety of fine, regular and very attractive surfaces with a silky and matt decorative appearance.

By combining the different satin nickel finishes with MKS' Atotech wide range of final deposits, a tremendous spectrum of colors and designs can be achieved. The Satilume^®  Plus processes can be plated on metallic substrates such as brass, steel or zinc die-cast and suitable plastics like ABS, ABS/PC blend materials or PA.

Features and benefits

• Trusted and approved worldwide for automotive applications
• Wide range of colors available through further plating with trivalent chrome, hexavalent chrome, silver, ruthenium, brass, or gold finishes

Clear reactive inorganic sealer

Features and benefits

• Reactive sealer technology with outstanding adhesion
• Best performance in automotive outdoor testing
• Highest corrosion protection in cyclic corrosion tests
• Chemical resistance especially against brake fluids
• UV and heat resistant
• Reduced residue formation
• Approved and in use by major brake component Tier 1s

Approved by worldwide brake caliper Tier 1s

For almost 20 years now, Sealer 300 W stands for high performance in the market. It is the approved standard process for all brake caliper manufacturers worldwide, amongst them Akebono, CBI, Continental, Hyundai-Mobis, Mando, Nissin, TRW and many more.

Black top coat for increased covering power

Features and benefits

• Organic black top coat
• Excellent corrosion protection
• High hiding power on silver and black base coats
• Appealing uniform black appearance
• Very good chemical resistance
• Enhanced UV-stability
• Very good adhesion
• Solvent-based
• Integrated lubricant for controlled friction properties
• No hydrogen embrittlement
• Excellent corrosion resistance in NSST and cyclic corrosion tests

Can be combined with the following of MKS' Atotech top coats

• Combinable with Zintek^®  base coats
• Combinable with electroplated and passivated finishes 

A versatile alternative to standard bright nickel chrome layers

TriChrome^®  processes are suitable for metal-based applications, plating on plastics and Ni-free intermediate layers such as white bronze. TriChrome^®  deposits offer unique alloy properties, allowing for color adjustments and providing high corrosion resistance.

Features and benefits

• Cr(VI)-free – simple handling and increased workers’ safety
• Sustainable solution (ELV, WEEE, ROHS, REACH-compliant)
• For plastic and metal applications
• High corrosion resistance
• Ranging from bright to dark finishes – great freedom of choice for new designs
• TriSeal^®  series: Cr(VI)-free post-treatment for increased NSS resistance

The TriChrome^®  family at a glance

TriChrome^®  Ice  ̶  Closest color to hexavalent chrome

TriChrome^®  Plus  ̶  Bright, clear color, high speed, Russian mud

TriChrome^®  Smoke 2  ̶   Grey, warm color

TriChrome^®  Shadow  ̶   Grey, cool color

TriChrome^®  Titan   ̶   Dark, grey color

TriChrome^®  Graphite  ̶   Dark, warm color

TriChrome^®  Phantom   ̶   Dark, rich color

A superior approach to laser and weld scale removal

Weld and laser cutting scale removal is traditionally accomplished by mechanical finishing (grinding, media blasting) or strong acid pickling of the substrate to achieve a ready-to-paint surface. However, some applicators neglect to do any scale removal prior to pretreatment and paint. UniPrep^®  AC products can operate at a mild to near-neutral pH and are free of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APE), phosphorus and boron as well as phosphoric, hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, and nitric acids, satisfying many customer and regulatory requirements.

Features and benefits

• Efficiently removes laser and weld scale, providing superior paint adhesion and corrosion resistance
• Improved coverage and paint performance (adhesion and corrosion resistance) for e-coat
• Free of APEs, P, F, B as well as hydrochloric and nitric acid
• Products available for both spray and immersion applications

A versatile alternative to standard bright nickel chrome layers

Zinni^®  220 combines outstanding corrosion protective properties with an improved throwing power resulting in higher thickness in low current density areas. A homogeneous nickel incorporation of 12 – 15% is achieved within a wide current density range. Depending on the requirements, Zinni^®  220 allows to choose between bright, semi-bright or matt coatings.

Zinni^®  220 was especially developed for the direct plating of cast iron in rack applications and is approved by the brake caliper industry. It is also applicable for barrel production.

Features and benefits

• Bright, semi-bright and matt finish
• Ammonia and boric acid-free
• Improved homogeneity for nickel incorporation and appearance
• Improved throwing power
• Higher thickness in low current density areas

Alkaline zinc nickel electrolyte for bulk application processes

The streamlined process control of Zinni^®  AL 450 is one of the many reasons for its success. Unlike other comparable processes, Zinni^®  AL 450 only requires a three-additive system for daily adjustments and maintenance. This simplification significantly reduces potential sources of error, making the process more robust. Zinni^®  AL 450 has been approved by several global automotive OEMs and fastener Tiers.

Features and benefits

• Up to 25% higher productivity than competitor alkaline ZnNi electrolyte processes
• Application of current densities up to 1.2 A/dm² without burning
• Higher barrel loads
• Improved thickness distribution between HCD and LCD
• Stable nickel incorporation of 12 – 15%
• Significant reduction of perforation marks
• Competitive against KOH-based electrolytes 

The neXT level base coat

Features and benefits

• Inorganic premium silver zinc flake base coat
• Outstanding cathodic corrosion protection
• Exceptional performance in Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSST) as well as Cyclic Corrosion Testing (CCT)
• Excellent delay in white rust formation
• High color stability
• Very good adhesion
• Attractive silver appearance
• No hydrogen embrittlement
• Free of harmful heavy metals such as Cr(VI), cadmium, cobalt, lead or nickel
• Combinable with Atotech’s top coats

Can be combined with the following of  MKS' Atotech top coats

• With inorganic Zintek^®  Top
• With organic Techseal^® 

Thin layer, best protection

Features and benefits

• Inorganic clear top coat
• Boosting tremendously corrosion protection
• Outstanding performance in Neutral Salt Spray Test (NSST) as well as cyclic corrosion resistance (CCT)
• Significantly reducing white rust formation
• Very good adhesion
• Attractive transparent appearance
• Water-based
• No hydrogen embrittlement
• Free of harmful heavy metals such as Cr(VI), cadmium, cobalt, lead or nickel
• Excellent results on zinc flake base coats as well as on electroplated zinc/zinc alloys

Combinations

• Combinable with Zintek^®  base coats
• Combinable with electroplated and passivated finishes

The best black base

Features and benefits

• Inorganic black zinc flake base coat
• Excellent corrosion protection in combination with MKS' Atotech top coats
• Excellent delay of white corrosion formation
• Very good adhesion
• Attractive uniform dark appearance
• Solvent-based
• No hydrogen embrittlement
• Free of harmful heavy metals such as Cr(VI), cadmium, cobalt, lead or nickel
• Approved for e.g. Volkswagen TL 180 and TL 233

Can be combined with the following of MKS' Atotech top coats

• With inorganic Zintek^®  Top
• With organic Techseal^® 
• With organic Techdip^® 

Superior protection with ONE coat

Features and benefits

• Inorganic silver zinc flake base coat
• One layer system
• Excellent cathodic corrosion protection
• Reliable corrosion protection of 720 h NSST
• with only one coat (6 – 8 μm)
• Very good adhesion and wear resistance
• Attractive alternative to multi-layer zinc flake coatings, hot-dip galvanizing as well as plating finishes
• No hydrogen embrittlement
• Free of harmful heavy metals such as Cr(VI), cadmium, cobalt, lead or nickel
• Combinable with Atotech’s top coats
• Reducing operating cost and processing time compared to standard two layer coatings

Can be combined with the following of MKS' Atotech top coats

• With inorganic Zintek^®  Top
• With organic Techseal^® 
• With organic Techdip^® 

Versatile acid zinc solutions

MKS’ Atotech chloride acid zinc processes from the Zylite^®  range provide high gloss coatings with superior covering properties and a decorative chromium-like appearance.  The cloud point of the electrolytes allows to operate with temperatures up to 45 °C, resulting in lower energy consumption for cooling devices. Zylite^®  processes are the ideal choice for plating fasteners in barrel application, or brake calipers in rack application, due to their high current efficiency and therefore high plating speed.

Features and benefits

• Ammonium and boric acid-free
• No anode polarization
• Low electrolytic consumption rates
• Liquid additives, safe and easy to handle
• Non-flammable
• AOX-free