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25 Jun 2024 Pollution Control
NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #122: Electrochemical Approaches to Treatment of PFAS in Plating Wastewater - 12th Quarterly Report
This NASF-AESF Foundation research project report covers the 12th quarter of project work (October – December 2023) at the University of Georgia. In our previous report, we described our work on performance and effect of surface fluorinated Ti4O7 anodes on PFAS degradation in reactive electrochemical membrane (REM) mode. This quarter, our experiments involved utilizing porous Ti4O7 plates serving both as anodes and membranes. Tests compared pristine and F-18.6 Ti4O7 anodes at current densities of 10 mA/cm2 and 40 mA/cm2. This 12th quarterly report discusses the mechanisms of the effects on EO performance by anode surface fluorination.

27 Aug 2024 management
The Disconnected American Worker
Virtual meetings and the ability to work remotely have created new flexibility in how we work, but at what cost?

13 Aug 2024 Powder Coating
Top Shop Pivots With Industry Demands
Moving from cars and motorcycles to its current aerospace and architecture customer base, this California powder coatings shop has evolved and grown with the changing market.

18 Jul 2024 racking
FABTECH 2024 Heads to Orlando
CCAI’s FINISHING Pavilion and Conference continues to grow at FABTECH, offering insights and innovations covering all aspects of industrial surface finishing.

8 Aug 2024
Plating Automation Turns Controls Up a Notch
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.

20 Aug 2024 Ask The Expert
Powder Coating Chipping on Aluminum Extrusion
The only way to get reliable results with powder on aluminum that will be used outdoors is to use an aluminum conversion coating that neutralizes the surface so the oxide cannot rapidly reform, according to Rodger Talbert.

20 Aug 2024
Overall Finishing Activity Accelerated Contraction in June, Closing at 44.0
Finishing activity accelerated contraction for the second month in a row, down 2.5 points from May. Two months does not a trend make, but it does suggest that some degree of softening is real. Because contraction is common across industry segments reinforces that likelihood.

19 Aug 2024 sustainability
Algae-Based Coating Enables Modular Carbon Capture Removal System
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.

12 Aug 2024 energy
Clean Chemistry for Fuel Cell Technology
Leading efforts to improve hydrogen fuel cell efficiency, this Indiana company has developed chemistry that cleans the inorganic contaminants from inside a vehicle’s radiator. This results in cleaner coolant and a more efficiently run hydrogen fuel cell.

5 Aug 2024 Ask The Expert
The Benefits of Electroless Nickel Plating
Looking to add electroless nickel to your capabilities? This overview can help you understand the benefits of EN and appropriate applications.
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February 2024
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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 Liquid Coating
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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Jim Destefani Former Editor

1 Jun 2006

Rising from the Ashes

How one finishing job shop expanded its plating business the hard way.

Powder Coating 1 May 2006

Sublime Finishes

Vertical powder coating and sublimation printing combine to produce aluminum architectural pieces with unique finishes.

Powder Coating 1 May 2006

Small-Scale Thinking

Nano-technology pretreatment improves powder coating quality and productivity.

Powder Coating 1 May 2006

Serendipity and Smart Management

This job shop found itself in position to capitalize when two large manufacturers with captive plating operations decided to exit the electroless nickel plating business.

1 Apr 2006

Conspiracy Theory

At the end of February, the U.S.

masking 1 Apr 2006

Sweeping Up Productivity Gains

Good planning and a switch to powder pay off at Tennant

automotive 1 Mar 2006

Building an E-coat Line from the Ground Up

How one company is prospering by providing flexible e-coat capability to Nissan and other customers.

automotive 1 Mar 2006

The Way Forward

Since last October, Delphi, the world’s second-largest auto parts manufacturer, has filed for bankruptcy and laid plans to dramatically downsize its U.S. operations.

1 Feb 2006

Banished Words

At the end of each year, the academic wits at Lake Superior State University (LSSU; Sault Ste.

Anodizing 1 Feb 2006

Anodized Frames Go Off-Road

Alternative finish gives Trek mountain bikes an edge in durability and appearance.

Electroplating 1 Jan 2006

Specialty Finishing Boosts Customer Satisfaction

Carefully chosen wet processes allow a mechanical finisher to add value...

1 Jan 2006

Better (and Safer) Buffing Through Chemistry

A switch to non-combustible compounds and pads eliminated a potentially explosive situation at a Loxcreen Aluminum Division plant...

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