Matt Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the principles of torque tension and why it is a concern for platers who coat fasteners.
Plating on advanced plastics solution offers improved adhesion, temperature resistance and cost savings. diamond sanding belt
Atlanta, Georgia, is the home to this year’s NASF SUR/FIN conference and trade show.
Since this new Ohio plater took over the space and assets of a former plating business, it is intentional about setting itself apart from prior ownership.
As plastics have become more ubiquitous, the demand for metal plating of plastics has increased.
Educational initiatives in the industry offer training/learning opportunities for professionals who are entering the industry to seasoned employees as well as introductory programs for high school and college students.
March’s 47.7 marks a full quarter of slowed monthly contraction.
The NASF SUR/FIN 2024 Technical Advisory Committee has organized a program covering the latest in technology in our industry. The program consists of 65 presentations over 12 sessions, covering the latest in the many segments of the surface finishing field. What follows is a sampling of the presentations in each of the 12 sessions, capturing the flavor of the offerings available at SUR/FIN 2024
In our last report, we described the performance and effect of surface fluorinated Ti4O7 anodes on PFAS degradation in a batch reactor operation mode. In this report, we will discuss the effect of surface fluorinated Ti4O7 anodes on PFAS degradation in a reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) operation mode.
Have a powder coating job that requires precise film thickness control? Products Finishing columnist Rodger Talbert offers advice controlling the variables that can impact your success.
In this high-level overview of wastewater system maintenance and upgrades, Robin Deal and Brian Greene will review the critical components required for a fully-functional system and discuss their expected life span. Learn to navigate factors such as material degradation and technological advancements, examine the effects, and address issues of chemical usage on the equipment. This webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to ensure your wastewater system remains in optimal condition, highlighting the importance of understanding both the hardware requirements and the chemical interactions that can influence system longevity and performance. By implementing proactive maintenance strategies and informed chemical management practices, you can enhance the reliability and efficiency of your wastewater infrastructure, ultimately contributing to environmental sustainability and public health protection. Agenda: Essential equipment for wastewater systems Life span considerations for wastewater systems Impact of chemical usage on wastewater equipment
But is chemical removal or biological removal better for your operation? Or maybe it is a combination of the two for the knockout punch? Chemical removal has a long track record of proven success and is readily available, cost-effective and affords ease of operation. Biological removal is used as a final polish to achieve permit limits and reduce disposal costs. These microorganisms work under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with no caustics or acids as to not cause harm to pipes or wastewater equipment. During this webinar, you will learn about how to implement a total wastewater system that will ultimately have you using less chemistry. Agenda: When would you use chemical vs biologics for wastewater treatment — or can you use both? Who should consider using biologics for wastewater treatment? What do you need to know about maintaining a biologic system?
Zirconium conversion coatings provide advanced bonding and anti-corrosion treatment for all metals. They are formulated to replace conventional iron or zinc phosphate products in pretreatment applications with environmental, energy and wastewater treatment advantages. During this lively debate, our experts will help you decide which process will pack the bigger pretreatment punch for you – or will it be a combination of both? Agenda: Advantages and disadvantages of each application type Optimizing your process for reducing chemical consumption and cost Regulatory issues to be aware of
Wastewaters from metal finishing, production and cleaning processes may contain a number of contaminants that require removal to either compliantly discharge the wastewater or reuse it within your facility. Treatment for recovery and reuse sounds good — but is it appropriate for your wastewater and your process? If recovery is suitable, how do you accomplish it and what are the benefits? In this webinar, Evoqua Water Technologies will discuss applications, treatment and smart technology solutions for wastewater recovery, including a real-life example that resulted in improved operational efficiency. Agenda: Typical metal processing wastewater contaminants and conditions Points to consider when deciding if wastewater recovery makes sense Technologies — such as ion exchange and reverse osmosis — for wastewater recovery Digitally-enhanced ion exchange wastewater recovery How digitally-enhanced wastewater recovery can benefit your process and facility
A key component to attaining the most reliable and accurate measurements is the proper use and application of the correct calibration standards, tailored to the measurement task. Achieving accurate and reliable measurements increases quality, improves manufacturing efficiency and saves valuable resources. Taking all of this into account is the goal of coating thickness measurement. Please join Rob Weber and Melissa Agneta in this webinar as they discuss the calibration standard options and best practices for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and dry film thickness (DFT) measurement instruments. Agenda: Instrument verification vs. calibration Different types of standards available for XRF and DFT guages Benefits of ISO 17025 traceable standards Recertification of standards for ISO compliance
After years of speculation and discussion, several factors have recently aligned to jumpstart a rapid industry movement in the switch from decorative hexavalent to trivalent plating. Across the industry, process and color standards are being adapted, RFQs are circulating and OEMs need shops who are equipped and ready. Applicators facing the decision-making process need to be prepared. There are a variety of conversations taking place globally and throughout the automotive industry on the use of sulfate vs. chloride and this webinar will address that discussion head-on, reviewing the pros and cons of each. Columbia Chemical will delve into the extensive field study tests outlining performance, color stability and corrosion results, and will provide an evaluation of new heat treatment data comparing the systems. Finally, it will provide an operational overview and cost comparison to aid in the decision making. Applicators, OEMs and Tier suppliers, design and materials engineers, and quality control will all benefit from this presentation. Agenda: Review of the pros and cons of chloride vs. sulfate Extensive field testing overview Evaluation of new heat treatment data Line adjustments: installation, operational overview and cost comparison
The course consists of 10 lessons. Each one contains a wealth of valuable, practical information. And if you score 70 or above on the optional exam, you’ll receive 1 credit toward certification as a Master Surface Finisher. MSF is the world’s most respected – and most widely recognized – designation for finishing industry professionals. Those passing 6 course exams earn the coveted MSF designation. Dates: June 4-7, 2024 Registration Deadline: June 8, 2024 Who Benefits: This training program is beneficial for operators and supervisors of contract and captive shops performing zinc and zinc alloy plating. The course is also beneficial for industry sales personnel. Goal The goal of this course is to provide students with information related to the metallurgy and corrosion behavior of zinc coatings. Students will also learn the differences between the various zinc plating and zinc alloy plating processes, including potential problems and how to prevent and solve them. The lessons in this course prepare students for a certification examination designed to demonstrate knowledge of technologies used in precious metals plating. At the conclusion of this course, attendees can expect to: Understand the basic behavior of zinc and zinc alloys in retarding the onset of corrosion in steel and other base metals. Have knowledge of the metallurgy and basic chemical principles involved in zinc and zinc alloy plating. Understand how barrel plating is different from rack plating. Know the various types of zinc plating solutions and be able to distinguish the features of each. Understand zinc alloy plating processes, including zinc-nickel, zinc-cobalt, tin-zinc, and tin-zinc-copper, their chemical make-up and operational conditions. Be prepared to take the examination, which is part of the Foundation MSF certification program.
The course consists of 21 lessons. Each one contains a wealth of valuable, practical information. And if you score 70 or above on the optional exam, you’ll receive 1 credit toward certification as a Master Surface Finisher. MSF is the world’s most respected – and most widely recognized – designation for finishing industry professionals. Those passing 6 course exams earn the coveted MSF designation. Dates: June 4-7, 2024 Registration Deadline: May 23, 2024 Who Benefits? This training program is beneficial for employees and supervisors working for Airline/Aerospace OEMs, aircraft rework facilities, Naval, Army, Marine and Air Force rework facilities and suppliers to the airline/ aerospace industry. Goal: The goal of this course is to provide the student with a broad range of information related to metal finishing operations that are common in the Airline/Aerospace industry.
SUR/FIN is the primary conference and trade show dedicated specifically to the surface technology industry. It is where leading surface technology companies connect, collaborate and contribute. And because it is the only conference and trade show sponsored by the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF)—representing the $28 billion finishing industry—it attracts noted business leaders and prominent thinkers to a forum where relevant issues are addressed and technologies presented. Join noted business leaders, visionary thinkers and the who’s who of the industry as we delve into the most pressing issues and explore the latest cutting-edge technologies. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of networking opportunities, enriching education and unbeatable collegiality. 2024 Show Dates: Wednesday, June 5: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Thursday, June 6: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday, June 7: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
As an annual conference and supportive community, Moms in MFG is designed exclusively to support working parents and caregivers in manufacturing. Moms in MFG is dedicated to empowering and connecting moms and caregivers in manufacturing. In addition, it aims to assist manufacturing companies in discovering how they can provide the necessary support and create a nurturing environment for caregivers in manufacturing. Through valuable content, networking opportunities, and collaboration with fellow industry professionals, Moms in MFG celebrates the unique journey of moms and caregivers in manufacturing.
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!
The Metal Finishers of California Fall Outing and annual meeting this year will be held from Friday, October 4, 2024, to Sunday, October 6, 2024. Register ASAP, and ensure your spot! Boutique Hotel on the Beach, within Carlsbad Village. The Village has many great attractions in walking distance from the Hotel. Price: Resort Guest Room: $1,350 per couple or $1,050 per single; 2 nights (Fri. – Sat.) Price Includes: 2 Nights Lodging at Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort MFASC/MFANC Annual Meeting on Friday (everyone welcome) Friday Evening cocktail reception and networking event Saturday Night cocktail and dinner event Optional Saturday afternoon activities will be announced soon For more info or to register: https://mfaca.org/product/mfasc-fall-outing-2024/
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Features stories and news on the adaptations of top shops, good habits, beneficial practices and successes that make a finishing shop a "Top Shop."
Young professionals are a vital asset to the finishing industry, and it is important to acknowledge those who are making great strides in shaping the industry's future.
Products Finishing is committed to recognizing historically significant individuals who were instrumental in the development and growth of the surface finishing industry.
In these uncertain times, it is refreshing to hear from and learn about young talent in the surface finishing industry who are striving to make a difference within their organizations and the industry as a whole.
By replacing its immersion parts washer with a vacuum degreasing system, this machine shop is much more efficient, saving the company money, man hours and the health of the operators.
Finding a more accurate paint proportioner for its application enabled this auto parts manufacturer to save significant costs and labor while increasing capacity.
The grit wheels and discs are designed to stay sharper longer.
The EcoGun Ace features a rapid change system for color changes, making color changes faster and simpler.
Reduced ion electroless nickel technology operates at lower metal concentrations than conventional EN and has an important role in the future of sustainable EN processes.
10 Point Checklist to Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes
A collection of four PF features that delve into the technologies, processes and people working to provide protection for the automobiles of today.
Survey and analysis, with Hubbard-Hall, of Products Finishing Top Shops benchmarking attitudes and practices concerning parts cleaning.
The installation has doubled the finishing supplier’s nickel line capacity.
Bales Metal Surface Solutions (Downers Grove, Ill.) has replaced the two nickel lines in its 29,000-square-foot facility. The project has doubled the finishing supplier’s nickel line capacity, which leadership estimates will reduce customer lead time by half.
Installing the new nickel lines has expanded Bales’ nickel plating capacity from five to 10 tanks. It also introduced a counterflow rinse and a hoist system designed to accommodate heavier parts.
“In addition to faster turnaround times on nickel plating, customers can expect even better plating quality and consistency, such as color and shininess. The new equipment rinses parts more effectively and provides easier access to tanks for quality checks throughout the day,” says Mike Hill, operations manager.
Steve and Mike Bales, who founded Bales in 1978, devised the new nickel lines almost two decades ago.
“In 2007, my father, Steve, envisioned a plan to continue Bales’ growth through modern equipment. We’re proud to have carried out our family’s dream with these new nickel lines. It’s not exactly how he drew it, but it’s exactly what we need today to continue improving lead times for customers,” said Stacey Bales, president of Bales.
Stacey Bales and Sara Mortensen are the second generation of Bales’ family leaders. They assumed leadership in 2009 after the sudden passing of their father.
Bales provides four engineered nickel coatings that protect metal components against corrosion, abrasion, and sticking:
Bales also provides Hard Chrome and Diamond Chrome plating, plus finishes and other services for preparing and processing metal components for surface finishing. The new nickel lines will allow Bales to continue developing services that meet customer demand.
Bales designed the new nickel lines in partnership with Plating Specialists, Inc. and John Schneider & Associates, Inc. The lines were manufactured and installed by Corrotec, Inc.
How can I plate copper on aluminum?
What are the best practices for using blasting in preparation for plating? Angelo Magrone of Bales Metal Surface Solutions discusses the ins and outs of glass bead blasting.
By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.
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