Published 12/18/2023

Finishing Another Year — Looking Back at the Trends of 2023

Products Finishing reflects on a year of reporting on the surface finishing industry and looks ahead to what may be in store for 2024.

Scott Francis

Editor-In-Chief, Gardner Business Media

Automotive

It’s been a roller coaster of a year for the automotive industry. From the recent United Auto Workers (UAW) strike to investments in the production of new energy vehicles including EVs and hybrids, there is a great deal of change that automakers are facing. Only a few years ago, the idea of EVs comprising a large portion of the automotive market seemed unrealistic. Concerns over the range of battery-powered EVs and the lack of supporting infrastructure made EVs seem like a pipe dream. While those challenges are still important considerations, today’s conversations center less around if EVs will be successful than how to make them successful — and how to build the infrastructure to better support them. In 2020, EVs made up 4% of the automotive market share. In 2022, that number jumped to 14%. EVs are expected to surpass ²/₃ of global car sales by 2030.

So, where do the opportunities for finishers lie in the increasing production of these vehicles? That’s a question that PF has been asking often as we talk to finishers and suppliers.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

In an article titled “The New Wild West of Automotive Finishing” from the February 2023 issue of PF, we spoke with several experts from MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions and MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions to learn about some of the innovation and collaboration that is happening with regard to EV production. short.pfonline.com/wwofauto

Collaboration

Several megatrends in manufacturing are pushing the need for new material solutions. Trends toward lightweighting and electrification are changing some of the traditional materials that find their way into applications. Increased use of plastic, composite and additively manufactured parts are driving the need for collaboration between OEMs and tier suppliers with finishers for surface finishing solutions and coatings. Finishers who actively seek out ways to partner with potential customers to find unique surface finishing solutions for new applications are more likely to work their way into new programs.

Photo Credit: Advanced Plating Technologies

One example of a company that is focused on this “surface engineering” paradigm is Advance Plating Technologies. Read about the company’s approach in the article “From Decorative Beginnings to Advanced Applications” in the February 2023 issue of PF. short.pfonline.com/APT23

Photo Credit: Winona Powder Coating

Another great example of this kind of collaborative problem solving can be found in the story about a collaboration between Winona Powder Coating and Smoker Craft Inc., published in the March issue of PF. short.pfonline.com/PCpostforming

Automation

Workforce difficulties are nothing new for the finishing community. Challenges with finding and retaining skilled labor persist and many finishing operations are increasingly seeking ways to implement automation solutions to help streamline some of their processes. However, identifying the right areas to automate can be daunting. PF’s July 2023 issue devoted several stories to this topic.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

For an in-depth look at areas of opportunity, check out “Top 5 Areas to Consider Automation of Plating Operations” by Robert Rumelfanger of Walchem - IWAKI America, Inc. short.pfonline.com/Top5AutomatePlate

Photo Credit: BMW

For an example of the ways robotics and AI are being implemented in automotive, don’t miss “Robots, AI and Superb BMW Surfaces” by Gardner Business Media transportation editor Gary Vasilash.

short.pfonline.com/BMWai

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Hesitant about the upfront costs of investing in automation? You’re not alone, but some investigation into the long-term benefits can help you make the right decision. “Justifying Investment in Automation,” by Corey Sorrento of Carlisle Fluid Technologies. https://short.pfonline.com/AutoInvest

Alternative substrates

Trends toward the lightweighting of materials and the increasing use of non-traditional methods of part fabrication, such as 3D printing, have led to the need for finishers to consider a variety of substrates.

Photo Credit: Keyland Polymer

Read about a durable finish for heat-sensitve materials in “Finishing Temperature Sensitive Material with UV Powder Coating” from PF’s March 2023 issue. short.pfonline.com/UVPowder

Photo Credit: Getty Images

And for an in-depth technical look at the advantages of low-temperature-cure powder coatings, check out “Low Temperature Cure Powder Coatings Offer Unique Opportunities” in June 2023. short.pfonline.com/LowTempPowder

Environmental and regulatory challenges

Regulatory compliance is a constant source of concern for finishers. Tightening regulation of such substances as hexavalent chromium and PFAS chemicals has long been an important topic for the finishing industry. In 2023, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed legislation that will implement a phase-out of hexavalent chromium use for finishing operations. As these phase-out deadlines loom large, many finishing operations are exploring hex chrome alternatives.

Photo Credit: Columbia Chemical

As the finishing industry begins to move away from the use of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, what factors should finishers consider as they make new investments? Mark Schario, chief technology officer for Columbia Chemical, offers a helpful overview of this complicated topic. https://short.pfonline.com/TriChromeOverview

Looking ahead

As the finishing industry looks to the horizon, it faces myriad challenges and opportunities. As an ever-widening variety of material solutions find their way into manufacturing processes, the opportunities for creative surface finishing solutions will continue to grow. It is truly an exciting time to be a part of this vital industry.

On behalf of PF, I wish you a prosperous and successful new year.