Greetings to All:

The requirements for automotive bright trim is on the increase. One area of utilization of Satin Nickel is to provide an aesthetically pleasing and attractive finish that compliments the new exterior and interior designs. The CRITERION SATINIZER Process was developed specifically to meet the requirements of the automobile designers.

In many applications the nickel is given a satin finish by mechanically brushing the base metal prior to plating or actually brushing the nickel after plating. However, the CRITERION SATINIZER Process provides a deposit that exhibits a uniform satin/matte, fine-grained finish directly from the tank.

The process is very versatile and can easily be adjusted and controlled to provide a full range of satin appearances. Three maintenance material, CRITERION SATINIZER Additive A, CRITERION SATINIZER Additive B, and CRITERION SATINIZER Additive C ensure maximum flexibility when replenishing the additive components in an operating bath. Additive A provides a fine-grained structure. Additive B is the carrier portion of the process and provides for medium-grained structure, process ductility, and chrome receptivity, while Additive C provides the actual satin finish and uniformity of the appearance.

The CRITERION SATINIZER Process offers deposits the exhibit low reflectivity while providing superior fingerprint and abrasion resistance. In addition, the deposit readily accepts subsequent coatings of decorative chrome, black nickel, black chrome and gold.

Additional Process features include:

• A unique combination of addition agents that provide a uniform satin/matte decorative finish.
• Can achieve distinct levels of grain refinement, allowing for more product flexibility.
• Excellent fingerprint resistance.
• Superior resistance to abrasion.
• Excellent chrome receptivity.
• Can apply over highly polished base material.

To request product literature or to learn more about this exciting new technology please feel free to contact us

Cordially:

Ryan Bustard
Mibus Inc.

By now, all platers servicing the automotive industry are aware of the requirements of the European Union End of Life Vehicle Initiative which mandates a maximum of 2 grams of leachable hexavalent chromium per vehicle. As of July 1, 2002, automotive manufacturers who distribute vehicles within the European Union will be responsible for the recycling, recovery, and reuse of hazardous components and the end of the vehicle's life.

With this deadline approaching, platers are forced to quickly find alternatives to the conventional hexavalent passivates. The automotive manufacturers are requiring platers to provide components which meet or exceed the current corrosion requirements using trivalent compounds.

Mibus is excited to introduce two new products which meet these new End of Life Vehicle requirements for corrosion resistance and are free of hexavalent chromium:

• Lanthane TriBlack System - A trivalent black conversion coating and topcoat for alkaline zinc and zinc alloy electrodeposits.
• Lanthane TriMate Passivate - A thick film trivalent passivate for zinc and zinc alloy electrodeposits.

For additional information on each of these products refer to the Featured Product section of our website or contact Mibus directly at 630-258-6485 or through our website.