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8 Jul 2024
How Do You AI?
Artificial intelligence tools can help finishing businesses function better. Here are some suggestions on where to start.

15 Jul 2024 Parts Cleaning
Insights into Wastewater System Components
Wastewater treatment systems require much thought when piecing together an effective process. Choosing the right equipment and understanding maintenance, lifespan and chemical impact is critical.

7 Jun 2024 Powder Coating
Products Finishing Reveals 2024 Qualifying Top Shops
PF reveals the qualifying shops in its annual Top Shops Benchmarking Survey — a program designed to offer shops insights into their overall performance in the industry.

23 Jul 2024 Electroplating
Conductivity and Plating
Eric Xie of PAVCO Inc. discusses conductivity when considering the combination of plating metal deposits, passivates and topcoats/sealers.

29 Jul 2024 Parts Cleaning
Vacuum Assisted Parts Washer Solves Shopfloor Delay
After implementing a new automated rotary basket parts cleaning system, this shop reduced its cleaning time by more than 50% and completely dried parts that previously were not getting dry.

8 Jul 2024 Mechanical Finishing
AI-Powered Robotic Solutions Support High-Mix Finishing
AI startup offers automation innovations for high-mix, high-variability, manual surface finishing applications.

2 Jul 2024 Electroplating
Choosing Electroless Nickel Plating Chemistry
A plater’s approach to deciding which EN chemistry is the best choice.

9 Jul 2024 Powder Coating
Reducing Hardness for Polyester Resin
ChemQuest’s Kevin Biller answers the question of how to reduce hardness on a polyester resin for powder coating.

22 Jul 2024 Electroplating
Finisher’s ‘Top Shop’ Status Attracts Business
This competitive California finisher made it a goal to become a PF Top Shop. After earning the recognition, the company experienced an immediate increase in business and a challenge to obtain certifications.

15 Jul 2024 Parts Cleaning
Creating the Right Lab Environment for ISO 16232 Analysis
When a new product is required to meet a minimum level of “clean” on a consistent basis, your existing quality lab environment may not be sufficient in its current state. Find out how to create the best test lab for these applications.
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Webinars See All

3 Sep 2024
Exploring Powder Coatings: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
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

On Demand
Beyond the Surface: Maximizing Efficiency in Plating Baths Through XRF Analysis
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

On Demand
Mastering Wastewater Systems: Essential Insights into Maintenance, Life Span and Chemical Impact
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

On Demand
Which Throws the Harder Punch in Metal Finishing Wastewater Treatment: Chemical or Biologics?
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?

On Demand
Which Packs the Bigger Pretreatment Punch: Iron Phosphate or Zirconium?
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

On Demand
Wastewater Recovery: Applications, Treatment and Smart Technology Solutions
Wastewaters from metal finishing, production and cleaning processes may contain a number of contaminants that require removal to either compliantly discharge the wastewater or reuse it within your facility. Treatment for recovery and reuse sounds good — but is it appropriate for your wastewater and your process? If recovery is suitable, how do you accomplish it and what are the benefits? In this webinar, Evoqua Water Technologies will discuss applications, treatment and smart technology solutions for wastewater recovery, including a real-life example that resulted in improved operational efficiency. Agenda: Typical metal processing wastewater contaminants and conditions Points to consider when deciding if wastewater recovery makes sense Technologies — such as ion exchange and reverse osmosis — for wastewater recovery Digitally-enhanced ion exchange wastewater recovery How digitally-enhanced wastewater recovery can benefit your process and facility

8 Aug 2024 New & Upcoming
Sustainable Cleaning Solutions: Optimizing Performance and Reducing Waste Register Now
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7 Aug 2024
CCAI West Michigan - Annual Scholarship Golf Outing
Mark your calendar and organize your foursomes as we kick off the 2024 - 2025 program year with the Annual WMCCAI Scholarship Golf Outing. Date: Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Time: 8:00 am Registration 9:00 am Shotgun Start Location: Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center 911 Hayes NE Comstock Park, MI 49321 Cost: $110 per golfer $440 per foursome Cost includes: 18 holes of golf at the beautiful Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center Coffee & pastries during registration Dinner & prizes afterward Beverage tickets Fellowship & support for our scholarship program! Registration: Registration will be open soon. Check back for updates!

8 Aug 2024
CCAI Salt Lake City Golf Tournament
Join the CCAI Salt Lake City Chapter for their 10th Annual Golf Tournament! The Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 8 at Hubbard Golf Course in Layton, UT. This event is a great way to network with other people in the finishing industry. Following the golf outing we will have a box lunch. Please consider donating items to our raffle! Items are being accepted from individuals and companies to raffle of during the tournament. Contact Ryan Hegewald at 801-201-3581 to donate. Tournament Cost Includes: Golf Shared Cart All Contests Putting Closest to the Pin Longest Drive Hole in One Box Lunch Cost: Individual Golfer - $150 Foursome - $550 Non-Golfing Attendee - $75 for lunch festivities only Time: 7:00 AM - Registration Starts 8:00 AM - Shotgun Start Registration: The golf outing is being held at Hubbard Golf Course on Hill Air Force Base. The base requires official contact information two weeks prior to the outing from each golfer. If you are registering a foursome you MUST enter each golfer's name, license number, issuing state as it appears on their drivers license and a phone number. This information will be sent to Hill Air Force Base two weeks prior to the golf outing. If the information isn't correct or entered, the individual will NOT be able to attend and you will not be refunded.

17 Aug 2024
MFANC Summer Outing 2024
Join us for our MFANC summer outing 2024 fun at the park! Last MFANC Summer Outing in Oakland San Francisco Giants vs Oakland A’s Saturday, August 17 at 4:07 PM at Oakland Coliseum Tickets are limited to 40 so sign up today! Ticket Price: $90.00 Register below or Download Form

22 Aug 2024
CCAI Northern Illinois Golf Tournament
The 2024 CCAI Northern Illinois Golf Outing is a great way to network with others in the finishing industry while having a good time! Don't miss this great industry networking event. Funds raised during the golf outing will go towards the CCAI Northern Illinois Chapter Scholarship Program. The outing is now at Orchard Valley Golf Course. Experience one of Chicagoland’s top five courses, Orchard Valley Golf Course features an 18-hole, 6,800-yard, par-72 championship layout, unparalleled guest service, and is open to the public. During the tournament, players will find challenges to test their skills. Each challenge winner will be presented with an award at the end of dinner. The challenges will consist of the following: Longest Drive - Men Longest Drive - Women Longest Putt Closest to the Hole Best 4-Team Scramble Score DATE: Thursday, August 22, 2024 TIME: 8:00 am Registration Opens 9:00 am Shotgun Start Lunch, awards and raffle prizes following golf LOCATION: Orchard Valley Golf Course 2411 West Illinois Ave Aurora, IL 60506 630-907-0500 www.orchardvalleygolf.com COST: $120 per golfer Includes: 18 Hole Greens Fees Driving range 2 beverage tickets 1 Golf Cart per 2 Players CCAI gift Lunch REGISTRATION: CLICK HERE to register.

10 Sep 2024
Parts Cleaning Conference at IMTS 2024
Debuting in 2010, the Parts Cleaning Conference is the leading and most trusted manufacturing and industrial parts cleaning forum focused solely on delivering quality technical information in the specialized field of machined parts cleansing. Providing guidance and training to understand the recognized sets of standards for industrial cleaning, every year the Conference showcases industry experts who present educational sessions on the latest and most pressing topics affecting manufacturing facilities today. Discover all that the 2022 Parts Cleaning Conference has to offer!

12 Sep 2024
MCTA Annual Golf Tournament
Save September 12, 2024 for MCTA's Annual Golf Tournament Proceeds Benefit for the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair Scholarship Fund Save the Date to Play MCTA’s Annual Swing for Science Golf Tournament Have fun while doing good! Proceeds benefit the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair Scholarship Fund https://scifair.com When: Thursday, September 12th, 2024 Where: Highfields Golf & Country Club 42 McGill Drive, Grafton, MA, 01519 Schedule: 9 am – Registration 10 am – Shotgun Start 2:30 – Reception and Awards Please consider becoming a Sponsor

2 Aug 2024 New & Upcoming
Chicago Midwest NASF Golf Fundraiser Register Now
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Programs

Top Shops
Features stories and news on the adaptations of top shops, good habits, beneficial practices and successes that make a finishing shop a "Top Shop."

40 under 40
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.

Champions of the Industry
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.
Videos See All

22 Jul 2024 aerospace
Episode 46: Richard Lynch, Timothy Gotsick; MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions
Experts from MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions share industry insights in an interview from the SUR/FIN 2024 finishing industry tradeshow.

24 Apr 2024 workforce development
Videos: 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
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.

8 Apr 2024 Parts Cleaning
Vacuum Degreaser Cleans Up a Messy Situation
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.

2 Oct 2023 automotive
Precise Paint Flow Reduces Material and Labor Costs
Finding a more accurate paint proportioner for its application enabled this auto parts manufacturer to save significant costs and labor while increasing capacity.

20 Sep 2023
Abrasive Wheels, Discs Provide Fast Metal Removal
The grit wheels and discs are designed to stay sharper longer.

12 Sep 2023
Low-Pressure Spray Gun for Color Changes, No Need for Solvents
The EcoGun Ace features a rapid change system for color changes, making color changes faster and simpler.
Collections See All

Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes
10 Point Checklist to Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes

Automotive Coatings
A collection of four PF features that delve into the technologies, processes and people working to provide protection for the automobiles of today.

The Case for Cleaning
Survey and analysis, with Hubbard-Hall, of Products Finishing Top Shops benchmarking attitudes and practices concerning parts cleaning.
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Arthur S. Kushner

Arthur S. Kushner Consultant

1 Apr 2003

Cleaning Heat-Treated Parts Revisited

I answered a question on the above subject in my February 2003 column.

Electroplating 1 Feb 2003

Coloring of Titanium

Question: A customer has asked us about the feasibility of dying anodized titanium.

Electroplating 1 Feb 2003

Cleaning Heat-Treated Parts

Question: We receive parts that have been heat treated and quenched.

Electroplating 1 Feb 2003

Stressed Nickel Deposits

Question: What causes high stress levels in a nickel sulfamate bath?

Electroplating 1 Feb 2003

Yellow Lead Anodes

Question: Why do the lead anodes in our mixed catalyst chromium plating bath turn yellow?

Electroplating 1 Feb 2003

Butler Finish Nickel

Question: What is “butler finish nickel?” How does one apply this finish?

1 Jan 2003

Chromate Conversion Problems—One

Question: Our company does not do any plating, but we do buy zinc plated steel enclosures.

1 Jan 2003

Nickel Anodes Do Not Dissolve

Question: Our Watts nickel bath has been acting very strange of late.

1 Jan 2003

Tarnished Bright Nickel

Question: Can a bright nickel deposit become dull over time?

1 Jan 2003

Electropolishing Problem

Question: Our company electropolishes 316 SS, primarily tubing, using a 65% phosphoric, 30% sulfuric acid solution at 120F.

1 Jan 2003

Hard Nickel Plate

Question: We plate components with nickel using a nickel sulfamate bath.

1 Jan 2003

Added Information

I responded to a question regarding chromate conversion coatings in my November 2002 column.

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More blasting. Less part handling.