With rise in new orders and exports, future business outlook remains steady.
Contemplating how to continue offering chromic acid services in an increasingly stringent regulatory world? Liquid chrome products may be the solution you’re looking for.
Looking to upgrade your coating process and possibly invest in automation solutions? This helpful Ask the Expert article from Tom Brown of Carlisle Fluid Technologies offers advice for doing your research and working with your equipment supplier.
PF editor-in-chief Scott reflects on environmental responsibility in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
Best practices for racking parts in surface finishing operations.
As a former motorcycle manufacturer, this powder coating Top Shop benefits from understanding the finishing industry from a customer’s perspective.
Although useful, chromic acid and other compounds that contain hexavalent chromium ions are highly toxic and carcinogenic. However, one company has developed an alternative for the hard chrome process that achieves thick, conformal coatings with wear and fatigue resistance comparable or superior to hexavalent chromium-based systems.
This paper provides an overview of the parallels between the synthetic order established by non-equilibrium reactions, such as anodizing, which are nano-scale, and the natural order established by equilibrium reactions in nature, many of which are on the macro-scale.
Unavoidably interrupted by the SARS CoV-2 pandemic of 2020-21, this NASF-AESF Foundation research project report R-120 has been ongoing since April 2019. Now complete, this report is the final report, reflecting 16 quarters of work.
XRF is the go-to instrument for measuring electrolytic and electroless nickel coating thicknesses, however the technology does have limitations when it comes to measuring thick coatings. This helpful Ask the Expert article from Rob Weber of Fischer Technology explores several alternative methods.
The collaboration between Hubbard-Hall and Pavco brings together cutting-edge chemistry and extensive expertise to tackle common challenges in metal finishing, particularly for zinc (Zn) and Zn alloy plating. By leveraging the combined focus on innovation and efficiency, the team delivers practical approaches that help applicators elevate their processes, reduce costs and improve overall performance. In this webinar, the presenters will explore the synergistic effects of passivates and topcoats, revealing how they provide enhanced corrosion protection for Zn and Zn alloy plating. Together, these advances enhance the quality and durability of finishes and ensure long-term competitiveness in the marketplace. Agenda: Elevated performance Common issues addressed Innovative processes
XRF measurement of the layers is also important to assure the right color and appearance of the finished goods. Join Fischer as it discusses how XRF measurements can be used for process control, quality control and incoming inspection of electroplated jewelry pieces. Agenda: The high precision of XRF Cost-reduction benefits Getting reliable results in seconds Measuring multiple layers of plating thickness Calibrating for optimal performance
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
Attend the Chicago Surface Finishing Annual Holiday Party Location: Church Street Brewing 1480 Industrial Dr. Unit C Itasca, IL 60143 $75 Includes: Fun, Food, and Drinks
Celebrate the fifth anniversary of The Cool Parts Show with a special LIVE episode! In 2019, Additive Manufacturing Media (AM) launched The Cool Parts Show, a video series dedicated to end-use parts made through 3D printing. To celebrate the show’s fifth anniversary, AM will host a special livestream episode on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, at 8 p.m. (EST). The show’s co-hosts, Peter Zelinski and Stephanie Hendrixson, will share updates about parts featured on the show, answer audience questions and give away Cool Parts merchandise.
Don't miss this fantastic chance to dive deeper into pretreatment and powder application! Join us to learn firsthand from two seasoned industry experts who will share proven methods and practical tips to elevate the quality and performance of your current system—all while reducing waste and minimizing rejects. From troubleshooting to performance optimization, this seminar covers it all, with each expert presenting valuable insights and making time to answer your pressing questions. Bring your unique challenges and questions for a truly interactive experience, and try to stump our knowledgeable speakers! The CCAI Northern California chapter president, Jeff Rochester, will highlight the value of CCAI Membership and the Peer Group Experience. “Being a Peer Group Member has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had as a CCAI member.” Wrap up the seminar with dinner, networking, and a fun golf experience with your industry peers. Plus, you might even walk away with an exciting raffle prize! CLICK HERE to view the event flyer. SCHEDULE: 5 – 5:45 pm: Advanced Pretreatment and Troubleshooting – Come find out what you have been missing about your pretreatment system. Learn how to troubleshoot and solve issues with your pretreatment chemicals and equipment as well as tips and tricks on improving the efficiency of what you currently have. Speaker: Jeff Blaine 5:45 – 6:30 pm: Are you grounded? – One of the most important aspects of powder coating is your ground. Learn about the most common issue and ways to solve and improve it. Improve both your consistency and through put by having your coating equipment work for you. Set your system up for success to minimize rejects and rework while improving your quality. These are just a few of the topics that will be covered. Speaker: John Cole – Parker Ionics 6:30 – 9:30 pm: Dinner and Networking - Get ready to mingle and network with peers in the finishing industry. Come for some fun and friendly competition at one of the areas premier golf entertainment centers. Top Golf blends traditional golf with exciting and interactive video game elements. Cost: $100 members / $125 non-members CLICK HERE to register.
Save the date for the 2025 Florida Finishers Corp's Mid-Winter Conference. Please Register on the Florida Finishers Corp's Website https://www.floridafinisherscorp.com/ * Hotel information and discount code is on the FFC website *
Chicago Midwest Chapter of NASF Annual Business Meeting Election of Year 2025 Board of Directors Presentation of: The Bertram A. Stone Memorial Award Location: Westwood Tavern 1385 N. Meacham Rd., Schaumburg, IL Includes: Food and Drink
Each year Products Finishing partners with thousands of finishing operations in the U.S. to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD is designed to celebrate and showcase the industry to trade schools, businesses, officials and media, as well as to celebrate employees and staff. The overarching goal of NSFD is to bring further awareness to the important roles plating and coating facilities play in their communities. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. For a helpful guide to reaching out to media outlets, download the NSFD toolkit here. How can you celebrate? Share your company’s story Hold an open house where the public can check out your facility –— either in person or virtual Offer student shop tours to local trade schools Invite local elected officials to visit and get to know your staff Celebrate your employees Share news about what you’re doing on social media and use the hashtag #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD
Thousands of people visit our Supplier Guide every day to source equipment and materials. Get in front of them with a free company profile.
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.
Question: I manage the paint line at our plant.
Question: As a paint professional, I find the Paint Clinic full of useful information.
Question: We are a shop that specializes in metal fabrication for business machines.
Question: We have a problem spraying an inorganic coating.
Question: I just read the article about active enzymes (passivated microscopic layer?) in stainless steel, don’t coat it and so on.
Question: I am the design manager for my company.
Question: In one of our acquisitions, we bought out a brass giftware manufacturer and his unsold stock.
Question: We are a lighting fixture manufacturing company.
Question: I enjoy reading your “painting clinic” section of the Products Finishing Magazine.
Question: I work as an Engineer in the toy industry.
Question: We mold and paint plastic parts and have paint adhesion issues.
Question: I am the Finishing Manager of an aircraft manufacturing plant.