2012, January – Example of combination as approved by PSA (B15 4102)

Automotive Approvals

2011, September – Atotech recently introduced EcoTri® NoCo – the newest generation Cr(III)-based iridescent passivate completely free of cobalt. Producing an approx. 200 nm thick film conversion coating on zinc substrates, EcoTri® NoCo provides the same corrosion protection level of state-of-the-art cobalt-containing processes. Furthermore, EcoTri® NoCo layers show the same amorphous, glassy structure typical of such processes, which remains unaltered even after heat treatment.

EcoTri® NoCo

• Appealing homogeneous iridescent color on zinc surfaces
Minimum corrosion protection against white rust of 96 - 120 h (NSS ISO 9227)
Economical use due to high operating pH and moderate temperature
High tolerance to zinc and iron contamination
Suitable for use with sealers

Corrosion Resistant Coatings – Passivates

2011, September – Tricotect® regenerates Atotech´s Cr(VI)-free passivate solutions, which are mainly used for the post-treatment of corrosion resistant zinc and zinc alloy coatings in diverse industrial applications (e.g. automotive or aerospace). Combining innovative chemical products with dedicated equipment, Atotech's integrated solutions meet the most demanding requirements for consistent high plating performance and efficient use of resources.

• The Total Ecosolutions advantage: The continuous purification of trivalent chromium passivates allows for a potentially unlimited solution lifetime, resulting in lower raw material consumption and less wastewater. Tricotect® operates online and does not require any interruption of the production process.
• Environmental performance: The significant environmental improvement is based on the reduced consumption of metals during the passivation process. Depending on the application, Tricotect can save up to 99% of the metals.

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2011, February – Price competition in the automotive industry has been very intense during the past years. At the same time, corrosion protection standards for automotive applications have become increasingly demanding. With Zintek® 200 SL , Atotech has the perfect answer to both of these trends. Zintek® 200 SL is a newly developed two-layer zinc flake system with integrated lubricants, offering reliable corrosion protection and constant friction values.

Zintek® 200 SL

• Premium silver zinc flake base coat
• Self lubricated for 2-coat application without top coat
• Provides constant friction values in the range of 0.12 - 0.18
• Just one dipping tank for the entire system –
  simple handling and significantly lower production costs

Zinc Flake Technology – Base Coats

2011, February – The On-line Analytics are the result of many years of experience in product processes optimization and fully represent Atotech’s unmatched expertise in the design of advanced auxiliary equipment for the surface finishing industry.

Easily implemented in existing production lines, On-line Analytics constantly monitor the plating solutions by performing a whole range of automated analyses, from titration and spectroscopy to conductivity measurements. Since the analysis results are provided in a very short time, the whole plating process can constantly be maintained at optimum conditions, resulting in higher chemistry and production yields.

Atotech’s On-line Analytics can also be combined with dosing units, allowing for the automatic adjustment of the composition of the baths, in order to extend their working lifetime and preserve the high quality of the plated layers. Furthermore, the automation of the analytical control of process baths drastically reduces labor times, thus ensuring lower production costs.

2011, January – In line with its commitment to sustainable development and environmentally responsible technologies, Atotech recently introduced Novopass®, the first generation of alternative conversion coatings completely free of chromium, cobalt and complexing agents.

Novopass® 101

• Cr- and Co-free
• Does not contain any complexing agents
• Appealing, homogeneous appearance
• Corrosion protection with sealer >120h
• Can be applied in existing plating lines

Corrosion Resistant Coatings – Passivates

2011, January – Atotech recently introduced Tridur® HT, an innovative Cr(VI)-free blue passivate for high corrosion protection. Suitable for rack and barrel applications, Tridur® HT produces an attractive homogeneous blue finish on acid or alkaline zinc plated surfaces.

The process achieves an excellent corrosion protection, from 72 to 96 hours to white rust according to the ISO 9227 Neutral Salt Spray Testing. Both the color and corrosion protection are much more stable than with standard blue passivates – even after heat treatment or humidity test.

Tridur® HT operates at room temperature and therefore allows for consistent energy savings. The remarkable operating lifetime of the solution can be further extended with Tricotect®, Atotech’s ion exchange technology for the regeneration of passivates.

Corrosion Resistant Coatings – Passivates

2011, January –  The clear organic sealer Corrosil® Plus 460 is Atotech’s latest addition to the renowned Corrosil® range of sealers for passivated zinc and zinc alloys. Specifically developed to meet the ever demanding needs of the window frames industry, Corrosil® Plus 460 works with an integrated lubricant and is perfectly suited for rack and barrel applications.

The deposited film provides a uniform appearance with no hint of iridescence and the plating equipment can be easily stripped with a conventional soak cleaner. Corrosil® Plus 460’s resistance to white rust reaches up to 1000 h NSS (ISO 9227) and its innovative formulation minimizes fillings and last drop marks.

Corrosion Resistant Coatings – Sealers