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Anodizing

Preventing Anodizing Cathodes from Turning Red

While the red color may not be desirable, anodizing expert Drew Nosti says it poses no particular problem to a successful anodizing process.

Drew Nosti
President, Anodize USA

Powder Coating

Racks for Powder Coating

Powder coating consultant and PF columnist Rodger Talbert discusses the importance of good racking methods for your powder coating operation.

Anodizing

Cleaning, Pretreatment to Meet Medical Specs ISO 13485 or FDA 21 CFR820

Maximilian Kessler from SurTec explains new practices for industrial parts cleaning, metal pretreatment and decorative electroplating in the medical device industry.

Powder Coating

Powder Coating Non-Conductive Substrates

Today’s low cure powders targeted at non-conductive substrates offer finishers options for finishing non-conductive substrates like wood and MDF.

Liquid Coating

The Importance of Benchmarking Your Application Parameters

Having repeatability issues in your coating process? John Owed of Carlisle Fluid Technologies discusses the importance of benchmarking your application parameters in order to identify and quickly resolve problems.

Mechanical Finishing

Reclaim Systems Recover Blast Media (and Dollars)

Thinking of investing in a blasting media reclaim system? Brandon Acker of Titan Abrasives Systems offers advice for choosing the right system for your operation.

Liquid Coating

Improving Transfer Efficiencies in Coating Operations

There are many methods for addressing electrostatic grounding in metal painting processes, and Tim Ulshafer from Mueller Electric says the best method for your process is a simple and worthwhile exercise.

Liquid Coating

The Real Cost: C-Hooks Versus Parts Racks

Industrial finishing line consultant Dan Davitz discusses the advantages of parts rack over the use of C-hooks for your paint or powder coating line.

Electroplating

Achieving Coefficient of Friction Targets

Jennifer Geesey of Pavco Inc. offers advice for obtaining your desired coefficient of friction.

Liquid Coating

How to Keep Your Paint Booth In Peak Condition

Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for keeping your finishing equipment running optimally. Bill Day of Global Finishing Solutions discusses 5 ways to keep your paint booth clean and operating efficiently.

Electroplating

Disruptive Change: EVs and Finishing Opportunities

As EVs continue to claim an increasingly larger share of the automotive market, what can finishers expect in terms of demand for finishes? Mark Schario of Columbia Chemical shares his insights into the kinds of opportunities EVs present for finishers.

Electrocoating

Coating Systems with the Best Long-Term Performance

The best protection against corrosion and UV exposure, says Axalta’s Mike Withers, is electrocoat and a super durable powder coating.

Powder Coating

On Thermoplastic Powder Coatings

Tim Brinner of IFS Coatings explains the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting powder coatings, and discusses applications where thermoplastic powders can be used to greatest effect.

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #120: Electrochemical Destruction of Perfluorooctanesulfonate in Electroplating Wastewaters – 7th & 8th Quarter Report

This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers the seventh and eighth quarters of project work (October 2021-March 2022) at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The major activities reported are: (1) to investigate 6:2 FTS oxidation, a common replacement compound for PFOS in the electroplating industry, and (2) PFAS oxidation in both a wastewater sample procured from an electroplating facility and in synthetic solutions.

PFAS in Surface Finishing: Where is it Going?

Regulation of PFAS chemicals continues to increase — here are some steps finishing operations can take to prepare.

When Manufacturers Should Use 3D Measurement for Surface Finishing

Two-dimensional (2D) surface profiling systems are the standard for quality assurance in manufacturing, but some applications demand 3D measurement systems.

Mechanical Finishing

Glass Bead Blasting as Plating Pretreatment

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.

Powder Coating

Outgassing and Powder Coating Defects

Having trouble with bubbles forming during curing? Verney Denerville of TIGER Drylac discusses proper outgassing procedures.

Liquid Coating

Integrating Industry 4.0 Solutions Into Your Coating Operation

Finishers and coaters are adopting automation solutions at an increasing rate. Jacob Fortmeyer offers insights for integrating new technologies into your process.

Anodizing

Crazing and Cracking in Anodizing

Understanding the differences in cracking and crazing in anodic coatings, and insights for mitigating defects in anodized parts.

Powder Coating

Mitigating Heat in the Building

Powder coating systems radiate heat and without good air turn over the heat can become unbearable. Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert offers ideas for cooling your facility.

Liquid Coating

The Solution to Costly Aircraft Paint Adhesion Failure

Lucas Dillingham, of surface inspection technology provider Brighton Science, offers insights for avoiding aircraft paint defects and adhesion failures.

Parts Cleaning

Top Reasons to Switch to a Better Cleaning Fluid

Venesia Hurtubise from MicroCare says switching to the new modern cleaning fluids will have a positive impact on your cleaning process.

Liquid Coating

The Benefits of Benchmarking Surface Quality in Manufacturing

Lucas Dillingham, of surface inspection technology provider Brighton Science, offers insights for consistent, successful adhesion of coatings.

Powder Coating

Understanding Infrared Line-of-Sight

Marty Sawyer of Trimac Industrial Systems offers insights into using infrared to accelerate your powder coating curing operations.

Electroplating

Filter Press Troubleshooting and Optimization

Zachary Beckman of Haviland Enterprises Inc. discusses proper filter press maintenance for optimization of wastewater treatment systems.

Powder Coating

Preventing Corrosion in Small Areas

Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert discusses how to get proper cleaning and coverage in tight Faraday areas.

Electroplating

Coping With Staffing Shortages

Tom Mastalerz, business development manager at Columbia Chemical, discusses strategies for optimizing operational efficiencies to help combat staffing shortages.

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