Articles

Parts Cleaning

Vapor Degreasing: A Fresh Look at an Old Process

Solvent-based cleaning using a vapor degreaser is seeing a resurgence as an alternative cleaning method due to the development of environmentally safe cleaning fluids.

Read More
Ask The Expert

Choosing the Right Paint Booth

When investing in a paint booth, choosing the ideal airflow style for your business’ needs is perhaps the most important decision. Royce Day of Global Finishing Solutions explains the pros and cons of the four primary paint booth airflow styles.

Read More
economics

Finishing Index Advances 4 Points as Components Approach ‘No-Change’ level

Improved readings among all components signal decelerating contraction. The Index has risen 13 points from its low in April.

Read More
Electroplating

Copper - More Than Just a Metal We Electroplate

Over many years, well-regarded AESF/NASF contributor Jack Dini contributed a series of fascinating columns to Plating & Surface Finishing, under the title Fact or Fiction?.  After his new offering in July, we are happy to offer a second welcome contribution to his output for the NASF, this time on copper.

Read More
Electroplating

NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #121: Development of a Sustainability Metrics System and a Technical Solution Method for Sustainable Metal Finishing: 1st Quarterly Report

This report (1) introduces the new project and (2) covers the first quarter of project work (April-June 2020) on this project at Wayne State University in Detroit. The objective is to help metal finishing plants to conduct a self-managed sustainability assessment and identify technical solutions for sustainability performance improvement.  The reader is invited to contact Dr. Huang in identifying plating shops willing to participate in this program.

Read More
Electroplating

Epner Technology Pays Tribute to Industry Legend Stephen Candiloro Jr.

David Epner of Epner Technology discusses the work of the late Stephen Candiloro Jr., a giant in the finishing community who passed away due to the coronavirus in April.

Read More
Liquid Coating

Venjakob Unveils Modular Coating Line Concept

Venjakob recently released a case study for a modular coating line concept that allows the individual machines to be equipped according to requirements, which can be upgraded with additional functions at any time.

Read More
Electroplating

Top Shops Executive Summit: An Exchange of Finishing Industry Ideas and Best Practices

This year’s inaugural Top Shops Executive Summit offers an opportunity for shop owners, executives and managers in the finishing industry to gather for networking and ideation.

Read More
Electroplating

Avoiding Adhesion Failure Due to Paraffin

For plating applicators, paraffin residue can cause poor adhesion, delayed blistering or other poor-quality performance of the plated deposit, including poor corrosion resistance. Coventya director of business development Greg Terrell explains how to remove paraffin-based lubricants prior to plating. 

Read More

40 Under 40: Class of 2020

Products Finishing’s 40 Under 40 award program recognizes young professionals in the finishing industry.

Watch

Cultivating the Next Generation of Finishing Industry Leaders

As a generation of experienced coaters and finishers look toward retirement, new leaders are beginning to emerge. Training, education, support and encouragement for new talent is crucial for the future of manufacturing.

Read More
Electroplating

The True Cost of SCR Versus Switch-Mode Rectifiers

Replacing old SCR rectifiers may help lower electrical costs, but choosing between modern SCR and SMPS rectifiers requires some careful consideration. 

Read More
FABTECH 2024
Gardner Intelligence
Metal Pretreatment Technology
More blasting. Less part handling.
New Acid-Free Bright Nickel Process
The Finishing Industry’s Education and Networking Resource
Pretreatment Washer and Finishing Equipment
Heatmax Heaters ad with immersion heaters
cfs masking