July 2023 Issue
![July](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/issues/2023/07_2023PF_Cover_WEB.jpg;maxWidth=250;quality=70)
July 2023
Digital Edition![Top 5 Areas to Consider Automation of Plating Operations](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/0623pffeature1walchemopenerlr.jpg;maxWidth=600;quality=70)
Features
Featured articles from the July 2023 issue of Products Finishing
![Finishing Systems Provider Celebrates 150 Years, Looks to Future](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/0723pfkoch1lr.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Finishing Systems Provider Celebrates 150 Years, Looks to Future
From humble beginnings as an Indiana-based tin shop, Koch Finishing Systems has evolved into one of the most trusted finishing equipment providers in the industry.
Read More![Products Finishing Reveals 2023 Qualifying Top Shops](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/0723pftopshops.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Products Finishing Reveals 2023 Qualifying Top Shops
Each year PF conducts its Top Shops Benchmarking Survey, offering shops a tool to better understand their overall performance in the industry. The program also recognizes shops that meet a set of criteria to qualify as Top Shops.
Read More![NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #121: Development of a Sustainability Metrics System and a Technical Solution Method for Sustainable Metal Finishing - 12th Quarterly Report](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/2310_Table_4.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #121: Development of a Sustainability Metrics System and a Technical Solution Method for Sustainable Metal Finishing - 12th Quarterly Report
This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers the twelfth quarter of project work (January-March 2023) at Wayne State University in Detroit. In this period, our main effort concentrated on documenting technical content that was yet to be reported, including analysis of costs for specific technologies for sustainability improvement.
Read More![Plating Additively Manufactured Plastic Parts](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/0623pfphotofinish.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Plating Additively Manufactured Plastic Parts
Using electroplating to enhance the structural properties of 3D printed parts.
Read More![Highlights from SUR/FIN 2023](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/0723pftopshops.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Highlights from SUR/FIN 2023
Products Finishing offers a recap of some of the topics that were top of mind at the SUR/FIN 2023 finishing industry trade show.
Read More![Corrosion Resistance Testing for Powder Coating](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/0623pftalbert.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Corrosion Resistance Testing for Powder Coating
Salt spray can be useful to help compare different pretreatment methods and coatings but it does not tell us much about the corrosion resistance of a part over time in the field. Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert offers insights into how to get a better idea of how to improve a part’s corrosion resistance in the real world.
Read More![Robots, AI and Superb BMW Surfaces](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/0723pfbmwai2.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Robots, AI and Superb BMW Surfaces
There isn’t an automotive paint shop in the world that doesn’t have post-paint inspection and defect processing. But BMW is doing this with levels of technology at a plant in Germany that exceed all other paint shops in the world.
Read More![Justifying Investments in Automation and Smart Solutions](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/gettyimages-1171902434-min.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Justifying Investments in Automation and Smart Solutions
Corey Sorrento of Carlisle Fluid Technologies discusses the long-term benefits and payoffs for investing in AI-driven technologies for your paint line.
Read More![Replacing Open-Top Vapor Degreasing in Aerospace Manufacturing](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/0623pfpartscleaningaerofig1.png;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Replacing Open-Top Vapor Degreasing in Aerospace Manufacturing
Options and considerations for cleaning aerospace parts as regulations tighten on vapor degreasing solvents.
Read More![Finishing Activity Ended May the Same as April](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/2023-05- PF - Web Prod-NO1.png;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Finishing Activity Ended May the Same as April
Finishing Activity: The May Index reports continued contraction, closing at 48.9, about the same as April’s 49.
Read More![NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #120: Electrochemical Destruction of Perfluorooctanesulfonate in Electroplating Wastewaters - April 2022-March 2023](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/PF/2023-PF/2311_Figure_1.jpg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #120: Electrochemical Destruction of Perfluorooctanesulfonate in Electroplating Wastewaters - April 2022-March 2023
This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers project work from April 2022 to March 2023 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The overall objective of this work is to utilize a cost-effective reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) for the removal of PFAS from synthetic electroplating wastewater. Initial results for the oxidation of PFOA with three different catalysts are discussed.
Read More![The Tragedy of Compounding Compensation](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/070523pfkirch.png;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
The Tragedy of Compounding Compensation
Employee compensation can be a complex matter. Here are a handful of best practices.
Read More![Powder Coating Forms and Surfaces](https://d2n4wb9orp1vta.cloudfront.net/cms/brand/pf/2023-pf/0723pfphotofinish1.jpeg;maxWidth=400;quality=70)
Powder Coating Forms and Surfaces
A peek at an automated powder coating line utilized by outdoor and architectural furniture and fixtures fabricator Forms + Surfaces (Pittsburgh, Pa.).
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