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. powder coating line for aluminium profiles
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.
The Mini-Mobile system opens the powder coating process to many types of users, from job shops and manufacturing cells to laboratories, universities and even hobbyists. Users can plug it in and be curing parts in under five minutes.
Trimac Industrial Systems, a Kansas-based producer of infrared ovens, washers and custom finishing systems, has developed a small, nearly portable powder coating system, the Mini-Mobile. The Mini-Mobile system comprises a powder coating booth as well as a curing oven, and its compact footprint makes it applicable to operations of many sizes. The company claims it is the only system of its kind on the market.
Marty Sawyer, CEO and owner of Trimac, says the idea for the Mini-Mobile system was first conceived after the company acquired Protherm Electric Infrared in 2017 — an acquisition that apparently made Trimac the sole producer of convection, gas catalytic infrared and electric infrared ovens in North America. Protherm had a small, conveyorized show oven that Sawyer thought would be good to showcase at an upcoming FABTECH display. At the conference, the oven turned out to be a hit, and Sawyer says, “I realized there was a product here.” The company would spend the next few years workshopping the system into the Mini-Mobile.
The Mini-Mobile is a modular system that comes in a standard size (20" × 20" flat part or 12" cube; max part size of 12" × 18" × 20") and large size (40" × 40" flat part or 24" cube; max part size of 28" × 36" × 36"), and Trimac also offers custom sizes. The oven has three heaters on each side which can be moved, tilted and adjusted based on the needs of the finishing job. The system, which is emission free, is designed to finish small parts about the size of a cell phone.
A system with such a small footprint opens the powder coating process to many types of users, from job shops and manufacturing cells to laboratories, universities and even hobbyists. The Mini-Mobile is a great solution for job shops that need to rework parts or produce a small run of custom orders without having to do a color change in their main operation. Sawyer also highlights the oven as being conducive to learning in an educational setting, saying, “One of the great things about infrared is that you get to see the curing process — you can watch the product gel right in front of your eyes.” Sawyer adds that as she explains the process in-person, she has noticed people become “mesmerized as they see the powder go from matte to glossy, and they begin to better understand the process.”
The company’s design philosophy with the Mini-Mobile oven is all about reduction: smaller footprint, smaller utilities and less time on the line. The company claims that users can plug the system in and be curing parts in under five minutes. In this way, the system brings lean manufacturing concepts to the powder coating industry. Sawyer adds, “The idea is that you can powder coat at the end of the operation without transporting the part to another location, another building, much less another state.” The Mini-Mobile system is available to order now and is set to start shipping at the beginning of next year.
Trimac Industrial Systems | 800-830-5112 | trimacsystems.com
Custom Fabrication & Supplies (CFS) completed a new plant expansion packing 10 times the capacity into twice the space. It dramatically enhances the supplier’s custom capabilities to provide extremely precise and cost-effective masking solutions.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and with millions of pounds of powder coating going into landfills a year, these two companies have found novel approaches to dealing with this waste stream.
Simply heating up the substrate does not cure the coating. There are many variables to consider when choosing the best cure oven for your application...
Choosing the right conveyor system, coating technology, and ancillary equipment.
Gregg Sanko, Senior Chemist, Oakite Products, Inc. provides an overview of the alkaline cleaning process.
Chandler Mancuso, technical director with MacDermid Envio discusses updating your wastewater treatment system and implementing materials recycling solutions to increase efficiencies, control costs and reduce environmental impact.
Baystar's Borstar technology is helping customers deliver better, more reliable production methods to greenhouse agriculture.
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