INDIANAPOLIS, 2020 - Asterion LLC was acquired by DuBois Chemicals. For more solutions and information visit www.duboischemicals.com. … [Read more...]
November 6, 2020 By
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...]
September 1, 2020 By
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...]
August 9, 2020 By
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...]
August 1, 2020 By
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...]
June 30, 2020 By
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...]
April 14, 2020 By
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...]
April 8, 2020 By
The Importance of Value
The 19th century poet and playwright Oscar Wilde was famously quoted as saying, “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” It’s been well over 100 years since this quote was published, but it certainly has remained relevant in today’s world. However, it is a challenge for people to universally agree on what defines value. The word value has 11 definitions in Merriam Webster’s online dictionary. With so many definitions of a single word, it’s no wonder we are challenged to determine what true value is. How do I define value? In my position as a … [Read more...]
April 7, 2020 By
Suggestions on Shutting Down Plating Lines for the Short-Term
With more factories redirecting their production capacity to help fight the coronavirus pandemic, you may find yourself needing to idle one or more of your plating lines for a few days or weeks. While shutting down a plating line is rarely desirable, today's business environment may demand it. On behalf of the Asterion Team, here are some suggestions on shutting down your lines for the short-term. Each suggestion should be further customized to best suit you plating operation and business requirements. Keep heated plating baths at minimum temperatures Top off cleaner tanks and shut … [Read more...]
April 4, 2020 By
STAY AT HOME…and Cook!
During this time of "Stay at Home," have you had enough of Netflix? Are you finding you’ve had your fill of the news? Has your appetite for Amazon Prime been more than satisfied? Time to get off that couch and hit the kitchen to whip up these culinary delights! Recommended by two of our top-notch technical sales engineers extraordinaire, Doug Trageser and Randy Postoak, these guys know yummy recipes when then EAT THEM. "Good chemistry," extends beyond the plating floor for these gents. Just wait until you savor these sausage balls. And then top it off with a superior strawberry … [Read more...]