Asterion Acquired by DuBois Chemicals

INDIANAPOLIS,  2020 - Asterion LLC was acquired by DuBois Chemicals. For more solutions and information visit www.duboischemicals.com. … [Read more...]

4 Quick Chromate Tips for the Winter

As we head into the fall and winter months, no doubt the service phone will start ringing about chromate rub off on zinc plated parts due to ambient going from temperatures in the 80s and 90s to temperatures in the 60s (and in some plants saving on heating bills, chromates may be trying to work as low as temperatures in the 50s).  But as we see a rise in the trivalent chemistries and less of the "ambient" running hexavalent chromates, the simple fix of raising the temperature may not be the solution to the rub-off headache during these cold days of winter.  Here are a few other quick tips to … [Read more...]

Brian Peterson Appointed Asterion Technical Sales Representative

INDIANAPOLIS, September 1, 2020 – Asterion LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Peterson as Technical Sales Representative. A certified electroplater-finisher (CEF), Mr. Peterson is responsible for providing exceptional customer sales and technical support to Asterion customers throughout Northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and western Minnesota. Prior to joining Asterion, Mr. Peterson was with Hydrite Chemical Co, serving as an account manager, technical sales representative, and metal finishing specialist during his tenure. Mr. Peterson also held senior sales and technical … [Read more...]

Asterion Introduces TECHNIBRITE™ SN 200 Bright Tin Plating System

INDIANAPOLIS, August 10, 2020 – TECHNIBRITE™ SN 200 tin plating system has been introduced by Asterion, LLC. Delivering exceptional solderability, the system is ideally suited for both barrel and rack applications to impart lustrous, bright tin deposits. Unlike conventional acid tin processes, TECHNIBRITE SN 200 requires only two proprietary chemical processes. Easy to use and analyze, system components include: TECHNIBRITE SN 200 Make Up provides the proper concentration of wetter, coupler, ductilizers, and low current density brightener. Stannous Tin (used in make-up) provides … [Read more...]

Inside Zinc and Zinc-Nickel Post-Plating Protective Finishes

As published in Products Finishing Magazine, August 2020 Issue. When I began my career in metal finishing in the mid-1980s, the industry took an introspective view of where it came from and in what direction it was going. It is interesting to look back at that time and remember all of the changes that began occurring as we entered the 1990s. Environmental concerns dominated the industry. I can specifically remember the market being flooded with new technology and equipment to deal with environmental concerns about the plating process. This was followed by developments in plating … [Read more...]

Asterion Introduces TECHNILLOY™ ZN NI 770 Zinc-Nickel Process

INDIANAPOLIS, June 30, 2020 – TECHNILLOY™ ZN NI 770 acid, zinc-nickel process has been introduced by Asterion, LLC. Approved and specified by leading automotive and heavy equipment manufacturer, TECHNILLOY ZN NI 770 offers exceptional corrosion protection, while delivering consistent and repeatable uniform surfaces. Formulated to plate heat-treated, difficult-to-plate fasteners and other complex part geometries, TECHNILLOY ZN NI 770 features: Uniform zinc-nickel distribution with high current density efficiency Outstanding throwing power and coverage Highly compatible with … [Read more...]

Why You Should Include Tin in Your Finishes Portfolio

Are you looking to expand the surface finishing options you offer clients? Are you prospecting for new clients? When choosing to expand your plating processes what factors come to mind? Cost? Market for process? Robust system? Application? Waste? Please allow me to introduce to you TECHNIBRITE™ SN 200 bright acid tin plating system! The TECHNIBRITE SN 200 system is a terrific addition to broaden your plating capabilities. The system produces exceptional brightness and leveling while maintaining exceptional solderability. Why Tin? Tin plating is used for several key … [Read more...]

Alkaline Zinc Plating Revisited

Alkaline non-cyanide zinc (ANCZ) plating has been prevalent in the plating industry for about 50 years. It has become a preferred process for finishers who require a fairly bright zinc-plated finish on parts that have challenging geometrical shapes. ANCZ is typically the chosen zinc process for complicated geometrical shapes due to its ability to plate zinc at a preferred low ratio of zinc thickness from the high current density areas to the low current density areas. Thickness ratios can range anywhere from 1:1 to 2:1 from the high current density area to the low current density area. Bath … [Read more...]

Asterion Business Response to COVID-19

A quick note to all of the friends of Asterion, LLC regarding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID-19 I am sure that your inbox is being filled with emails from both customers and suppliers regarding the Novel Coronavirus, COVID 19.  Without adding to the litter, please be aware that our management team and all of our Team Members are working to protect ourselves and our customers from the impact of this public health issue.  We have taken the following steps: Publicize and encourage commonsense hygienic practices to minimize infection risk. Restrict access to our facility to … [Read more...]

Asterion Celebrates Customers and the Holidays with Donation to Habitat Indy 

INDIANAPOLIS, January 7, 2020 – For the third consecutive year, Asterion celebrated our valued customers and the holiday season by donating to Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity. This year, a company match was offered to all employees that participated. Over $1300 was raised. Blair Vandivier, President and CEO of Asterion stated, “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Indy Habitat, as well as take pride in the generosity demonstrated by fellow Asterion team members as part of our company match. Giving back to and actively participating in our local communities is one of our … [Read more...]