Yuken Europe GmbH
Yuken Europe GmbH is a subsidiary of Yuken Industry.
Located in the center of Japan close to the Toyota Motor
Corp. HQ, Yuken Industry is a metal surface treatment
products manufacturer with about 300 employees. Originallyfounded as a home-use soap maker in 1937, Yuken later
evolved into a comprehensive metal surface treatment
products manufacturer. For more than half a century, we at
Yuken have served numerous major international OEMs,
parts manufacturers and job shops in the automotive andother industries, providing our innovative products andservices worldwide. In addition to Yuken Europe GmbH, wehave subsidiaries in the USA, Thailand and Mexico. We are
actively engaged in sales activities and provide technicalsupport to our customers to satisfy their ongoing needs.
Since Yuken Europe GmbH was established in Groß-Gerau, a suburb of Frankfurt, Germany in April 2018, we
have strengthened our customer support and expanded sales of our localized products to new customers in theEuropean market.
Through a strong partnership and collaboration with Italgalvano SpA, we promote localization and distribution
systems for our products, and constantly enhance our technical support. As a result, we are steadily increasing ourcustomer base for our corrosion resistant products (zinc & zinc alloy systems, zinc flake products, and topcoats forzinc/zinc alloy plating and zinc flake paint).
We understand that "environmental protection" is key for us toestablish a successful and long-lasting business in Europe,
considered the world leader in the environmental arena. As apace-setting company in the manufacture of metal surface
treatment products, we apply our key concepts of "Clean,
Honest and Beautiful" to all of our corporate activities
including the development of corporate ethics, improvement ofemployee training/education, and the enhancement of productand service quality, not to mention environmental protection.
We continually strive to create new surface treatment
technologies for our customers, to contribute to the growth of
the industries we serve, and to improve the communities we socare about in Europe.
On the following pages, we are pleased to introduce the corrosion protection products that were developed inJapan.

＜Metasu YC, Zinc Flake Coating Series＞
Market Conditions:
Zinc flake coatings are prone to failure in corrosion resistance performance when there are scratches & chips in the mass
production process. Users tend to apply multiple layers to prevent uncoated pinholes. Some users expect to see sacrificial
corrosion in the zinc flake coating because of zinc usage, but that expectation is often unfulfilled due to the zinc flakecoating characteristics. Yuken developed a zinc flake coating system that addresses all the above issues and achieves highcorrosion resistance performance with increased sacrificial corrosion resistance.
High Corrosion Resistance Mechanism
The base metal (Fe) is protected fromcorrosion as insoluble and highly
protective basic zinc chloride isdeveloped during the initial period of
corrosion in a corrosive environment.

In the early stages, a portion of this metal coating film dissolves and forms basic zinc chloride/basic zinc carbonate over
the top surface of the film. This is the reason why consistent corrosion resistance can be achieved despite the presenceof scratched surfaces.
Corrosion Resistance Test with Mass-Produced Bolts after Multiple Fastenings (Effective Areas: Heads & Thread Areas)
Yuken's Older Basecoat (2 layers) +Topcoat (1 layer)

Yuken's Current Basecoat (2 layers) Only

Coating Weight: Basecoat 30g/m2, Topcoat 3g/m2

Coating Weight: Basecoat 30g/m2

0h

1500hrs.
ＮＯ ＲＥＤ ＲＵＳＴ

2500hrs.

Part: M10 Bolt
Basket Diameter: 600 mm
Processed Volume: 50 kg

Fastening Torque: 82N・m
Number of fastening times: 3Salt Spray: Per JIS Z-2371

Bolt heads tightened with an impact wrench a few times are likely to have chips or damaged film. When a corrosion
evaluation is performed on parts going through this multiple fastening/loosening after they are processed with a normal
zinc flake coating and a topcoat relatively good for wear and damage resistance, those parts do not reach 1500 hrs.
(Japanese OEM spec). Yuken's zinc flake coating system does reach more than 1,500 hrs. with just our basecoat (2 layers).
This is because the generated white byproduct (basic zinc chloride and basic zinc carbonate) covers the damaged areas,slowing the corrosion process. In addition, corrosion is not likely to extend horizontally, and this results in firm control of
red rust generation, enabling consistent mass production results.

<Metasu Lubrus Topcoat Series - Versatile Sealers for Zinc/Zinc Alloy Plating and for Zinc Flake Coatings>
0.2

1. Friction Coefficient Ranges of Metasu Lubrus Topcoats
LUBRUS Topcoat

Characteristics

Typeavg
max
min

0.18

Organic/

0.16

Inorganic/Hybrid

0.14

C14A(I) clear

0.12

K14A(I) black

Repeated fastening

0.1

C12A(I) clear

stability、

0.08

K12A(I) blackhi,corr,resistance

Water baseOrganic

0.06
0.04

C09A(I) clear

0.02

K09A(I) black

0C14A(I)K14A(I)

C12A(I)

K12A(I)

C09A(I)

K09A(I)

There are 2 major functions required for topcoats in the market: friction stability andcorrosion resistance improvement. We can meet any OEM's friction coefficient requirementsby adjusting in 1/100 increments.
Even after multiple times of fastening & loosening, readings are consistent at 0.2 or below in the friction coefficientmeasurements. When processing with our topcoat over zinc plating or zinc flake coating, friction stability can beachieved regardless of use of steel, Al or e-coated plate. In the case of zinc nickel, however, the friction coefficient
is likely to increase with the Al plate. Even in that case, the increase in friction coefficient can be reducedby changing the topcoat type.
2. Corrosion Resistance Performance of Metasu Lubrus Topcoats
CCT (CyclicCorrosion
Test)

Topcoat C-14/K-14 Over Zinc Plating
C-14 weight
K-14 weight

Topcoat C-14/K-14 Over Zinc Nickel Plating

C-14 weight

CCT

15mg/dm2 20mg/dm2 30mg/dm2 40mg/dm2

K-14 weight

15mg/dm2 20mg/dm2 30mg/dm2 40mg/dm2

10 cycles

10cycles

30 cycles

50cycles

50 cycles

90cyclesOne Cycle of CCT: Salt Spray, 50℃, 4hs. → Dry, 70℃, 5hrs. → 95% Humidity, 50℃, 12hrs.
→ Dry, 70℃, 2hrs. → Natural Dry, 25℃, 1hr.

3. LUBRUS Fastening Performance(VDA Measurements: Black passivation over Zn plating, 200 rpm x 1 time followed by 20 rpm x 5 times)
0.2

μtot
μb
μth

0.19
0.18

0.2

μtot
μb
μth

0.19

0.18

0.2

0.18

0.17

0.17

0.17

0.16

0.16

0.16

0.15

0.15

0.15

0.14

0.14

0.14

0.13

0.13

0.13

0.12

0.12

12345μtot
μbμth

0.19

0.12

123451234Steel Plate
KTL Plate
Al Plate
The above shows VDA measurement results for our topcoat LUBRUS K14. The friction coefficients are slightly
high because of the high speed fastening. However, the results show stability even with repeated fastenings.
The organic functional groups in the topcoat establish powerful bonding, resulting in excellent adhesion.
This topcoat is available for the EU market.

5< Betalux and Wonder Series – Localized Versions of Yuken’s Alkali Zinc System and Passivation >EU Market Deployment
It would be difficult to import large volumes of chemicals from outside the EU due to REACH. Therefore, it is essential
to localize our products in order to provide our technologies in the EU. Our alkali zinc and zinc nickel systems andcorresponding passivation products are readily available in the EU market. Here are the characteristics of these systems.
Betalux (Alkali Zinc System)
1. Bright Covering Power (20cm Hull Cell Test with 1A, 10 min, 25℃)
<Betalux>

6

film thickness[μm]<Alkali Zinc Widely Used in EU>

Betalux

Bright rangeBrightnessRange

5

EU system
USE additiveZincwidely used in EU432Bright rangeBrightness
Range

1005101520

Ｈｕｌｌ ｃｅｌｌ ｄｉｓｔａｎｃｅ（ｃｍ）

The bright covering power and film thickness uniformity are shown in the above photos and graph. The Zn/NaOH
concentrations are 10g/120g/L. Compared to the conventional alkali zinc system in EU, the brightness region is largely
extended in the low current density area. Betalux readily gives parts with complex configurations a uniform bright surface.
As shown above, the deposition efficiency is high compared to the EU zinc system, and the necessary film thickness
can be obtained in a shorter period of time.
2. Ductility (Bending Test for Crack Generation)

Bend panel 180 degrees.
<Betalux><Alkali Zn Widely Used in EU>

3. Zn Concentration and Plating Deposition
Measurement Pts.
11Bolt Head

Bolt Shank1097g/L

810g/L

714g/L

Betalux achieves high deposition
efficiency even with low Zn levels.
Optimal Zn level: 7 - 12 g/L.
Lower Zn concentration
results in reduced metal cost.

654Betalux

Alkali Zn
WidelyUsed in EU

Betalux

Alkali Zn
WidelyUsed in EU

Compared to the widely used system,
Betalux provides more uniform
covering power.

Betalux creates a very bright smooth film. When the film is bent, crack widths are fine and narrow, exhibiting
excellent ductility. Film brightness and ductility are factors not normally compatible with each other, but
Betalux is an alkali zinc system which provides both qualities.
The bath temperature range extends up to 35℃, a wider process window compared to the conventional alkali bath.
This is a new alkali zinc system which deposits an acid-bath-like bright surface with high deposition efficiency and also
demonstrates alkali-bath-type uniformity and covering power. Betalux is available in the EU.

<Shedar 30 and Wonder Series - Localized Versions of Yuken's Zinc Nickel System and Passivation>
1. Bath Makeup Parameters and Aging Test for Shedar 30 Zinc Nickel System
ProductUsage

Zinc / NaOH
Shedar 30MD
Shedar 30N
Shedar 30G
Shedar 30SR
Shedar 30R

Concentration

Replenishment

8g/L / 130g/L
Complexing Agent
Nickel Solution
Brightener
Carrier
Hard Water Softener

50ml/L
10ml/L
1.6ml/L
10ml/L
5ml/L

Film Thickness (μm) or Nickel Content(%)

20

1.5-2.5 L/KA- H
0.75-1.25 L/KA - H
0.15-0.4 L/KA - H
0.05-0.2 L/KA - H
0.04 L/1 kg of NaOH

Film thickness (μm) before current applied
Film thickness (μm) after current applied

151050Distance
from
Edge
of 20cmDistancefromthetheLeftLeftEdgeof 20cm
HullHull
CellCellHull Cell Plating Condition: 2A, 20 min., 25℃ (Current Applied for Aging: 150A H/L)
The deposition efficiency of Shadar 30 slightly declines as current is applied for aging, but it demonstrates
superior uniformity. Shadar 30 can therefore provide a consistent process for the user, as it can control brightness
deterioration at low current densities and plating film heat shock, areas often considered problems by competitors.
2. Film Properties

Competitor A (Rolled/Compressed)
Shedar 30 (Rolled/Compressed)
ZnNi plating film normally has a high degree of hardness, and the film is likely to peel off when compressed.
Shedar 30 shows excellent ductility as film peeling is not so obvious as compared with the competitor's film.
3. Waste Water Treatment Test
Zn Ni plating presents another issue in addition to the deposition reduction and brightness deterioration due tothe aged solution, that of metals not being able to precipitate in the waste water treatment. The following shows
how metals in the Shedar 30 can precipitate in the waste water treatment.
Waste Water Treatment Test

Make test solutions.
↓Add test metals.
↓
Adjust pH to 2.
↓
Adjust pH to 9.
↓Dilute solutions x 20 and x 100.
Add 100ppm each of Zn, Ni, Fe,
Cr and Cu.
Adjust with H2SO4.
Adjust with NaOH.

Adjust solution level.

↓Add polymer coagulant.

Add 5ppm of coagulant.

↓Filter solution.
↓Measure remaining metals.

Measure with AA.

Plating Solution Diluted 20 times (ppm)
Removal Rate (%)
Metal Competitor A Shedar 30
Zn
NiFeCr
Cu

133.9
134.4
0.1
0.7
100.4

14.6
25.7
00.4
85.9Competitor A

Shedar 30

73%
23%
100%
99%
0%97%
85%
100%99%15%

Plating Solution Diluted 100 times (ppm)
Removal Rate (%)
Metal Competitor A Shedar 30
Competitor A

Shedar 30

Zn
6.7
4.8
98%
99%
Ni
10.4
1.1
94%
99%
Fe
0.3
0.1
99%
99%
Cr
0.3
0.1
99%99%
Cu
71.4
24.2
29%
76%
Shedar 30 shows good results for metal precipitation.