Articles

Ask The Expert 25 Jul 2022

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.

Powder Coating 21 Jul 2022

AI-Powered Fault Detection for Paint Shops

The latest software tool from Dürr’s DXQanalyze product family can detect whether a fault is a one-time or systematic issue. Data from recognized patterns can identify the process step responsible for the fault.

Electroplating 21 Jul 2022

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 1st Quarterly Report

For 2022, NASF-AESF Foundation Research Board has 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. This report introduces the project and outlines the work to be undertaken.

nasf 19 Jul 2022

Non-PFAS Wetting Agents for Decorative Chromium(VI) Plating

This article is based on a presentation given at NASF SUR/FIN 2022, in Rosemont, Illinois, in Session 6, Responses to PFAS / PFOA. It follows the case study of three facilities’ conversion from PFAS-containing wetting agents to non-PFAS equivalents, eliminating PFAS and moving forward with a smaller and more sustainable environmental footprint. The journey of conversion from PFAS-containing wetting agents in both chromic-sulfuric etch and hexavalent decorative plating tanks can be complicated and winding due to deep rooted standard industry practices, as well as state and federal regulations. Outlined here is a clear course of action that led to eliminating PFAS from the facilities’ wetting agent strategies.

economics 18 Jul 2022

Finishing Activity: Expansion Slowed Again in June, Closing at 54.5 Index

June is just the second month of slowed expansion for Finishing this year.

Powder Coating 15 Jul 2022

Retroreflective Powder Coating Q&A

Insights into how PPG’s retroflective powder coating works.

workforce development 11 Jul 2022

Embracing Tools for Continuous Improvement

Triplex Plating is a great example of how to use benchmarking, training and employee feedback as tools for continuous improvement.

9 Jul 2022

Waking Up to a World Without Manufacturing

Virtually everything humanity holds or uses owes its existence to our sector.

racking 9 Jul 2022

Racking and Conveyor Automation Solutions

Considerations for automating various operations within a finishing system.

Ask The Expert 7 Jul 2022

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.