January 2024 Issue

January

January 2024

Digital Edition
Plating Shop Leverages Ingenuity to Strive for Perfection
Cover Story

Plating Shop Leverages Ingenuity to Strive for Perfection

With unique systems in place, this zinc plating Top Shop offers several value-added services for its customers while focusing on top-notch customer service.

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Features

Featured articles from the January 2024 issue of Products Finishing

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #121: Development of a Sustainability Metrics System and a Technical Solution Method for Sustainable Metal Finishing - 14th Quarterly Report
nasf

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #121: Development of a Sustainability Metrics System and a Technical Solution Method for Sustainable Metal Finishing - 14th Quarterly Report

This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers the 14th quarter of project work (July-September 2023) at Wayne State University in Detroit.  

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Powder Coating Week 2024 Offers Education and Networking
education

Powder Coating Week 2024 Offers Education and Networking

On March 11-13, 2024, this event for powder coaters will combine training, presentations, technical sessions, tabletop exhibits, roundtable discussions, expert panels and social activities. 

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Career Transitions, Loyalty and Major League Baseball (Never Bite the Hand that Feeds You)

Career Transitions, Loyalty and Major League Baseball (Never Bite the Hand that Feeds You)

When the time comes, do the right thing and seek out a new employer that doesn’t compete with the one you’re leaving.

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From Drain to Gain with Smart Wastewater Recovery
Parts Cleaning

From Drain to Gain with Smart Wastewater Recovery

Incorporating digital monitoring to maximize performance.

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Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts
Electroplating

Possibilities From Electroplating 3D Printed Plastic Parts

Adding layers of nickel or copper to 3D printed polymer can impart desired properties such as electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, abrasion resistance and improved strength — approaching and even exceeding 3D printed metal, according to RePliForm.

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Understanding Robotic Vacuum Impregnation
Vacuum Vapor

Understanding Robotic Vacuum Impregnation

Robotic vacuum impregnation can be used to seal porosity, minimize scrap, increase throughput and reduce costs.

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NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 7th Quarterly Report
Electroplating

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 7th Quarterly Report

The NASF-AESF Foundation Research Board selected a project on electrodeposition toward developing low-cost and scalable manufacturing processes for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis cells for clean transportation and distributed power applications.  In this period, we followed our work on 3D printing anode support for solid oxide fuel cells, SOFC (or cathode for solid oxide electrolyzers, SOEC) based on our designed optimization outlined in the previous report.  We worked on optimizing the printing parameters, obtaining binder burn out and sintering profiles to obtain printed parts with desired geometry and properties. 

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On Pressing the Reset Button
management

On Pressing the Reset Button

The New Year offers an chance to reset, but make sure to embrace the opportunity to learn lessons along the way. 

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Switching from Hexavalent to Trivalent Chromium Plating
Electroplating

Switching from Hexavalent to Trivalent Chromium Plating

There are advantages and disadvantages of moving from hexavalent to trivalent baths. When considering this choice, gather the facts from this article in order to make a well-educated decision.

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Finishing Activity Continued to Contract in November, Closing at 43.6

Finishing Activity Continued to Contract in November, Closing at 43.6

Finishing activity has now contracted for eight months in a row, not unlike other manufacturing segments tracked. 

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Causes for Cross Contamination
Powder Coating

Causes for Cross Contamination

Cross contamination of powder coatings is often the result of poor habits in the powder room. Powder coating consultant Rodger Talbert offers an example of how to mitigate cross contamination. 

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Future Proof Your Solvent Choices
Parts Cleaning

Future Proof Your Solvent Choices

It is critical to evaluate the viability of replacement solvents and to work closely with your solvent supplier to find the right formulation for an application.

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Mocap Masking Caps Plugs Tapes
Gardner Intelligence
Pretreatment Washer and Finishing Equipment
Non-Cyanide Silver Plating, AMS 2411J
CFS
At-line and in-line instrumentation.
More blasting. Less part handling.
FABTECH 2024
SURFIN 2024