This is a story of how one industrial coatings company kept the lights on in the wake of hurricane devastation.
Learn from industry experts and explore the latest technologies at PCI’s Powder Coating Week in Orlando, April 14-16. Chrismas Tress
In this work, a pH 3.0, 0.8M copper sulfate electrolyte was used for plating onto both blanket and patterned silicon wafers. This novel electrolyte, proposed by U. Landau, involves a number of beneficial effects with respect to the conventional bath.
By considering the necessary factors, conducting thorough testing and leveraging guidance from chemistry suppliers, manufacturers can choose plating coatings that ensure reliable, long-lasting fastener and component performance.
Products Finishing’s Top Shops Benchmarking Survey is gearing up for 2025. Gardner Intelligence, offers insights for taking the survey and interpreting the results.
Coatings must be cured properly with strict adherence to the specifications provided by the coatings manufacturer for optimal protection performance and aesthetics.
Learn about powder coating’s advantages over liquid in the automotive industry as well as its advancements in this segment.
This review covers published research on the anodic oxide protection layers principles and requirements for process engineering application, the effect of the anodizing process parameters, as well as the importance of process steps taking place before and after anodizing.
With no experience running a surface finishing shop, two businessmen stepped into executive leadership/ownership positions at this small Illinois plating facility. Although surprised by the complexity, they are learning the technicalities of the plating process from the former owners while also bringing their own aspirations to life.
What missed opportunity will you regret most? Or should there be any regrets at all? No matter the mindset, Matt Kirchner suggests that now is the time to take those chances for your business.
The collaboration between Hubbard-Hall and Pavco brings together cutting-edge chemistry and extensive expertise to tackle common challenges in metal finishing, particularly for zinc (Zn) and Zn alloy plating. By leveraging the combined focus on innovation and efficiency, the team delivers practical approaches that help applicators elevate their processes, reduce costs and improve overall performance. In this webinar, the presenters will explore the synergistic effects of passivates and topcoats, revealing how they provide enhanced corrosion protection for Zn and Zn alloy plating. Together, these advances enhance the quality and durability of finishes and ensure long-term competitiveness in the marketplace. Agenda: Elevated performance Common issues addressed Innovative processes
XRF measurement of the layers is also important to assure the right color and appearance of the finished goods. Join Fischer as it discusses how XRF measurements can be used for process control, quality control and incoming inspection of electroplated jewelry pieces. Agenda: The high precision of XRF Cost-reduction benefits Getting reliable results in seconds Measuring multiple layers of plating thickness Calibrating for optimal performance
Any one of these three facets will help you become a stronger powder coater, but this session will walk you through all of them and provide details that will be most valuable on a quest to develop an optimal powder operation. Agenda: The good: introduction to powder coatings The bad: common challenges The ugly: debunking myths Best practices for optimal operations Case studies
Our focus includes the use of membrane filtration systems – which can recover up to 98% of cleaning solutions – dramatically reducing the volume of concentrated waste requiring disposal. Additionally, we delve into strategies for maximizing cleaner longevity by precisely adjusting oil concentrations, leveraging the direct relationship between cleaner concentration and effective oil content management. By adopting these methods, businesses can achieve significant cost savings through reduced chemical consumption, lower waste disposal expenses and decreased energy usage – all while promoting environmental sustainability. Agenda: Membrane Filtration Systems: Learn how these systems protect industrial assets and recover a substantial percentage of cleaning solutions. Cost-Saving Strategies: Discover opportunities for savings through extended cleaner longevity and reduced chemical waste Technical Cleanliness Challenges: Understand the various challenges in achieving and maintaining technical cleanliness across processes. Establish a more sustainable and cost-efficient cleaning program that delivers superior results, reduces downtime and minimizes environmental impact
Dive into plating bath optimization. Learn about the importance of chemistry measurement, various analysis methods and real-time monitoring benefits through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis with insightful case studies highlighting efficiency gains. Join Fisher Technology's Devarsh Shah and Melissa Agneta as they discuss how to improve plating efficiency by exploring essential chemistry techniques, including real-life examples. Discover why measuring plating bath chemistry matters, the different ways to analyze it and the benefits of monitoring it as it happens in real-time. With XRF analysis, you'll gain the knowledge and tools to improve your plating process, thus ensuring top-notch efficiency and quality in surface finishing. Agenda: Importance of measuring plating bath chemistry Methods for analyzing bath chemistry Benefits of monitoring bath chemistry in real-time Case studies
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
Come join us for the Twin Cities Chemical Coaters 2025 Symposium on Thursday, February 20th in Roseville, MN "Improve Your Pretreatments & PFAS Facts" Please join us as we learn how to improve your substrate pretreatments process and the updates on PFAS facts in coatings. We have an impressive list of speakers for this year's event! Down and Dirty: Cleaning Up Your Pretreatment Processes - Learn the types and sources of contamination common to pretreatment systems. Mike will give several methods to identify and reduce contamination. By implementing these process improvements, discover cost savings, including reduced water and chemical usage, as well as increased quality. Presenter: Jeff Blain, Circle Prosco Unlocking Cleaner Futures: Membrane Filtration for Profitability & Sustainability Insights into the synergy between equipment and chemicals for optimal performance and longevity. Unveil the potential of membrane filtration to recover up to 98% of cleaner solution. Save on chemical costs, waste disposal, and energy costs while efficiently extending the life of your cleaner and promoting sustainability. Presenter: Fernando Carminholi, Hubbard-Hall A discussion about the work surrounding PFAS and recommendations regarding the coating industry. Presenter: Jane Paulsen, MnTAP A case study on converting existing products with PFAS coatings to PFAS Free coatings. Presenter: Bob Bonsall, Nordic Ware Schedule: Registration and breakfast at 8:00 am Presentations from 8:30 am -2:00 pm Question and Wrap up ending by 2:30 pm
West Michigan CCAI is proud to offer a tour of Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Company on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm with appetizers and networking at Gravity Taphouse to follow. Founded over 125 years ago in 1898, Knape & Vogt is a long-time stalwart of the Grand Rapids business community. KNAPE & VOGT is a global leader of products for organization, storage, and ergonomics in the workplace and in every room of your home. “In the business of motion”, Knape & Vogt specializes in the design, manufacture and distribution of functional hardware, office and healthcare ergonomics and storage-related components for original equipment manufacturers, specialty distributors, hardware chains and major home centers. Knape & Vogt is a major employer in West Michigan and beyond, with a total of nearly 1,200 employees across two facilities each in Grand Rapids and Taipei (Taiwan), and one each in Petaluma (CA), Chicago, and Toronto. Come join us for full plant tour of their Grand Rapids manufacturing facility, featuring a diverse range of metal fabrication processes, metal pretreatment, powder coating, and plating processes. Please wear safety glasses; hearing protection will be provided.
This online course will provide a broad range of knowledge and understanding of the chemistry, processes, equipment, troubleshooting, and quality control common in the Plating and Surface Finishing. It is designed for, but not limited to, Operators and Supervisors of job shops and captive shops applying a broad range of surface finishes on a variety of substrates. Those completing this course and/or earning the CEF certification are able to demonstrate: Expertise in each step of the surface finishing process from preparation & manufacturing to final inspection. A comprehensive understanding of the equipment required/used in the Plating/Surface Finishing process. The ability to anticipate, recognize, diagnose, troubleshoot, and correct surface finishing discrepancies, anomalies, or defects. Competence in matching plating strategy to the end-use application and environment.
Join the Northern Illinois CCAI Chapter for Feed My Starving Children Community volunteer followed up with a Member social dinner event. As a group, we will hand-pack rice, soy, dried vegetables and a nutritionally complete blend of vitamins and minerals into bags which are then sealed, boxed and placed on pallets. If you cannot make the community event, please join us for appetizers/dinner and a drink from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD
Join Glaser/s and Jomesa’s Technical Cleanliness Experts for an in-depth discussion of new standard practices for technical cleanliness inspection. In this webinar you can find: - Upcoming revisions to the VDA and ISO cleanliness inspection standards - Unique considerations for battery and EV manufacturin - Standard best-practices to ensure your inspection process is up-to-date
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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 proud to announce a new awards program that recognizes individuals in the industry that are making important contributions to forward the surface finishing industry.
Wagner presents Flowsense, a smart system available as an optional upgrade on all new Wagner PXS powder centers.
Reactive Surfaces, an innovator in bio-based coatings, works on development of Carbon Capture Coatings, which harness the natural CO2-capturing capabilities of live algae.
This Cincinnati-based plating company has experienced a 33% improvement as a result of investing in a new electroless nickel line. It continues to tweak the control technology to create the most effective coating for its customers’ needs.
Experts from MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions share industry insights in an interview from the SUR/FIN 2024 finishing industry tradeshow.
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.
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.
NACE International and SSPC merged to form the AMPP, which will take on research, conferences, certifications and more for the corrosion control and protective coatings industries.
NACE International, The Corrosion Society (Houston, Texas) and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings (Pittsburgh, Pa.) have merged to form the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), which the societies hope will stand as a unified voice for the corrosion control and protective coatings industries. AMPP’s CEO, Bob Chalker, and the rest of the organization’s executive leadership revealed its name, logo and brand elements during an online event Jan. 6.
“AMPP brings together the world’s leading corrosion prevention and protective coatings organizations under one umbrella,” says Chalker. “With a vision to create a safer, protected and sustainable world, the new association will focus on the future of materials protection and performance.”
With more than 40,000 members in 130 countries, AMPP consists of two governance structures – AMPP, a 501(c)(6), and AMPP Global Center, a 501(c)(3). AMPP will provide services in certification, accreditation, membership, advocacy and public affairs, while AMPP Global Center will focus on standards, technical and research activities, conferences, events, education, training, publications and pre-professional programming.
“No other organization offers the depth and breadth of materials protection and performance information, standards, education, certification and contractor accreditation programming that AMPP now provides,” says Tim Bieri, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors. “Through AMPP, we will be able to raise the level of excellence of our professional community and have a greater impact on society through our expanded network of members worldwide.”
“I’m looking forward to bringing together the expertise that’s been instrumental in developing standards, training, publications and other technical resources that support our members and advance our industry,” says Joyce Wright, AMPP Global Center’s chair.
While AMPP’s staff has been working together since October, some program details such as NACE and SSPC accreditations and certifications will remain as they are for the near future.
Using high-speed cameras and back side illumination (BSI) sensor technology to analyze plasma electrolytic oxidation.
More than a finishing shop, this anodizing, powder coating and vacuum resin impregnating business goes above and beyond for its customers by being a resource for whatever their finishing needs might demand.
Evolving coatings and finishes for automotive brake components.
Container Ship Products Finishing is the media brand devoted to all things finishing. Electroplaters, anodizers, liquid and powder coaters have all come to rely on Products Finishing magazine as their No. 1 source for surface finishing news and technology for more than 80 years. About Us