During the 1990s, the late Dr. Rolf Weil contributed a monthly column in the AESF journal, Plating & Surface Finishing, in which he described the various methods by which the properties of electrodeposits could be measured and characterized. Topics covered include analytical equipment, measurement methods and specific applications. Dr. Weil's practical approach, in layman's terms, aimed at taking the fear out of using sophisticated equipment. What follows is a collection of several of those columns.
Do you have an industry mentor or colleague who deserves recognition? Consider nominating them for Products Finishing’s new Champions of the Industry award.
Seeking to understand aluminum corrosion and prevention? Jacob Weingart of Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of corrosion protection options for aluminum and its alloys.
In this Q&A, infrared curing’s ins and outs are covered by Carlisle Fluid Technologies, including how it works, why its a popular curing type and the benefits of it.
OEMs looking to optimize aircraft performance and range are turning to composites and plastics, which require specific finishing treatments.
Advancements in powder coating technology make it a viable surface finish for a growing number of applications using advanced plastics or composites.
As a low-cost alternative to legacy technologies, this ceramic molecular media filtration system removes metals and pollutants from industrial wastewaters at a low price point.
When a commitment is missed, begin with honesty. Instead of saying you didn’t have time, explain the circumstance and own it.
This 2024 Top Shop uses the survey as motivation to reach its goal and stay consistent.
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, focusing on the thermal shock properties of 3D printed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ).
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
But is chemical removal or biological removal better for your operation? Or maybe it is a combination of the two for the knockout punch? Chemical removal has a long track record of proven success and is readily available, cost-effective and affords ease of operation. Biological removal is used as a final polish to achieve permit limits and reduce disposal costs. These microorganisms work under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with no caustics or acids as to not cause harm to pipes or wastewater equipment. During this webinar, you will learn about how to implement a total wastewater system that will ultimately have you using less chemistry. Agenda: When would you use chemical vs biologics for wastewater treatment — or can you use both? Who should consider using biologics for wastewater treatment? What do you need to know about maintaining a biologic system?
Zirconium conversion coatings provide advanced bonding and anti-corrosion treatment for all metals. They are formulated to replace conventional iron or zinc phosphate products in pretreatment applications with environmental, energy and wastewater treatment advantages. During this lively debate, our experts will help you decide which process will pack the bigger pretreatment punch for you – or will it be a combination of both? Agenda: Advantages and disadvantages of each application type Optimizing your process for reducing chemical consumption and cost Regulatory issues to be aware of
The NASF Palmetto Southeast Chapter is excited to announce its fall management event! This 2-day event kicks off on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 with two action-packed days of Succession on the Horizon!! Featuring brilliant speakers, cutting-edge & informative, innovative and real-time topics, impacting your business, and the surface finishing industry, as well as manufacturing. Includes two days of networking, socializing, golfing, great food, & lots of fun!!! Hosting this event down south, in the low-country for a second year in a row, at the beautiful Tides Resort in Folly Beach, SC. Register for the event here. Contact Paul Skelton @ paul.skelton@biganodes.com or by phone @ 828.748.9356
Meeting Notice for Thursday, October 10, 2024 Spouses Night & Special Five Course Holiday Dinner Topic – The History of Electroplating Guest Speaker – Bill Nebiolo, REM Chemical Inc Overview of the Evening’s Technical Presentation This will be a fun-filled, light-hearted and enjoyable, non-technical presentation that will review the 246-year history of the electroplating industry. Meeting Location The Manor Inn (GPS Positioning Data) 1636 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike; (CT Rte. 322) Milldale, CT 06467 Times: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Cocktails and Conversation 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Dinner 7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.; NASF Connecticut Chapter Announcements 7:45 p.m. – The History of Electroplating Reservations Contact Larry Ryan by noon Tues October 8, 2024 Primarily by e-mail at RYANL46@cox.net Secondarily by phone at (860) 384-8792; only if you don’t have e-mail access Please provide entrée choices for yourself and your spouse/significant other Please attend even if you don’t have a spouse or significant other for the event
FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Registration is open for the Industrial Heating Equipment Association’s (IHEA) Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT to be held October 28-30 at the Conrad Indianapolis. Attendance for this distinctive event is limited so early registration is highly recommended. The two-day SUMMIT will tackle the decarbonization challenges in the industrial heating industry. “IHEA’s Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT is the most comprehensive collection of information regarding sustainability and decarbonization within the industry,’ notes Chad Spore, John Deere’s Enterprise Materials Engineering Supervisor, Metals – Region 4. “You will walk away with confidence on how to take on this challenge within your business.” The SUMMIT is designed to assist everyone using heat technologies to understand and overcome important concerns and provide potential solutions as manufacturers plan for a sustainable future. The program contains topics that will inform and guide attendees in their journey to decarbonization, while a host of tabletop exhibitors will offer products and services that assist the industry in finding pathways to offset carbon emissions and a variety of alternative solutions. The event includes a two-day tabletop exhibition where attendees can visit with suppliers to learn more about the products and services that will help them navigate the decarbonization efforts. The unique IHEA approach to sustainable solutions is a comprehensive mix of currently available technologies as well as developing technologies that will allow companies to reduce carbon footprints now while planning for a net-zero future. Tabletops and sponsorships are available on the event website
Surface Finishing Mexico is the most important exhibition of industrial surface finishing and coatings in Mexico. SFM 2024 offers a specialized educational program and commercial area UNIQUE for the industry we represent in Mexico. It is an excellent opportunity to interact with the world of electroplating, anodizing, liquid and powder painting, E-Coat, organic finishes and other processes.
Carlisle Fluid Technologies- Binks, DeVilbiss, Ransburg, MS, BGK- and Owens Community College have teamed up to present Spray Finishing Technology Workshops The three-day intensive training programs are scheduled for November 6-8, 2024 in Toledo, Ohio. Classes meet from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and include both classroom and hands-on sessions. Attendees should be involved with industrial, contractor or maintenance spray finishing applications, or spray equipment sales and distribution. Topics for the Spray Finishing Technology Workshops include: Topics for the workshop include: Equipment types and selection Equipment set-up, operation, and maintenance Surface preparation and defect analysis Material selection Safety and regulatory concerns To register, or for additional information, contact Jaime Wineland, Owens Community College, Workforce and Community Services Division, toll-free by phone at: 800-466-9367, ext.7320, or by e-mail at: jaime_wineland@owens.edu
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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.
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.
Finding a more accurate paint proportioner for its application enabled this auto parts manufacturer to save significant costs and labor while increasing capacity.
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.
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