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8 Oct 2024 economics
Products Finishing Activity Grows Slightly in September
With rise in new orders and exports, future business outlook remains steady.

30 Sep 2024 Electroplating
Liquid Chrome Vs. Chromic Acid Flake
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.

5 Nov 2024 Ask The Expert
Get in the Lab: Investing in Automation
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.

4 Nov 2024 sustainability
Embracing Environmental Responsibility
PF editor-in-chief Scott reflects on environmental responsibility in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

28 Oct 2024 racking
Maximize Your Racking Efficiency and Quality
Best practices for racking parts in surface finishing operations.

4 Nov 2024 Top Shops
Powder Coater Leverages Its Manufacturing Mindset for Success
As a former motorcycle manufacturer, this powder coating Top Shop benefits from understanding the finishing industry from a customer’s perspective.

1 Nov 2024 sustainability
The Future of Hard Chrome: Pioneering Innovations for Sustainable Solutions
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.

29 Oct 2024 Anodizing
Polarization and Natural Order - The 56th William Blum Lecture
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.

5 Nov 2024 nasf
NASF/AESF Foundation Research Project #120: Electrochemical Destruction of Perfluorooctanesulfonate in Electroplating Wastewaters – Final Report
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.

1 Oct 2024 measurement-testing
Measuring Thick Nickel on Aluminum or Steel
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.
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May 2024
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Webinars See All

On Demand
Elevate Your Process: Top Trends in Zinc Alloy Plating
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

On Demand
XRF Analysis of Materials for Fashion Jewelry and Accessories
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

On Demand
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
Sustainable Cleaning Solutions: Optimizing Performance and Reducing Waste
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

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

10 Dec 2024 New & Upcoming
From Tradition to Tomorrow: Hubbard-Hall’s Journey with CEO Molly Kellogg Register Now
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3 Dec 2024
CCAI Wisconsin Fundraiser and Holiday Party
Its time celebrate! CCAI Wisconsin is excited to, once again, participate in Kapco’s annual Kids2Kids Toy Drive. The collecting campaign started Nov. 4th and will end at our annual Holiday Party on Dec. 3rd. In lieu of a registration fee, all guests are encouraged to bring two new, unwrapped toys or books that will be provided to children in need and spread holiday cheer. This year our chapter’s goal is to collect more than 300 toys! As in the past, this is a dual-purpose meeting. Along with the toy drive, this event is CCAI Wisconsin’s way of providing fellowship, food, and a way to say ‘thank you’ to all our members who support us throughout the year. This is a great cause and has become a tradition the CCAI Wisconsin Chapter is proud to sponsor. If you are unable to attend this year’s event, please consider dropping toys at our drop site: All-Color Powder Coating, Inc. | 298 N. Burr Oak Avenue | Oregon, WI 53575 Or you can make a financial contribution on our website. Please help make the holidays a little brighter for kids and families and instill the spirit of giving within the community. We look forward to seeing you on December 3rd.

12 Dec 2024
Chicago Midwest NASF Annual Fundraiser and Holiday Party
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

5 Mar 2025
National Surface Finishing Day
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

12 May 2025
MFASC Golf Fundraiser & Tournament 2025
SAVE THE DATE 31st Annual MFASC Golf Fundraiser and Tournament May 12, 2025 Four Person Scramble

25 Aug 2025
National Composites Week 2025
The goal of National Composites Week is to celebrate and bring attention to the myriad ways that composite materials and composites manufacturing contributes to the products and structures that shape the American manufacturing landscape today. Learn how you can participate in this year's National Composites Week on NationalCompositesWeek.com.
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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

26 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.

9 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.

22 Jul 2024 Electroplating
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.
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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Stephen R. Schulte P.E. REM

1 Nov 2003

Solution Curve

Question: I would like a copy of a “solution curve” for zinc.

1 Nov 2003

EPA Inspections

Question: We are an electroplating job shop and as a large quantity generator of hazardous waste, we recently received a letter from our state EPA that its representative will be inspecting our facility sometime in the next six months.

1 Sep 2003

Chemfilm Disposal

Question: We are a small generator of hazardous waste and are well within the limits for discharge to the city, and our tanks are about 1,200 gallons.

1 Sep 2003

Employee Health and Safety

Question: Is decorative chrome exempt from End of Life Vehicle Directives’ restrictions on hexavalent chrome/chromium?

1 Sep 2003

Employee Health and Safety

Question: Recently, I started as the general manager of a job shop metal finishing plant.

1 Sep 2003

Electrocoat Addition

Question: We currently have a five-stage zinc phosphate washer and are powder coating various metal parts for original equipment manufacturers.

1 Sep 2003

Does it Apply to Us?

Question: Steve, thanks for your July column, “New Hazardous Waste Laws,” regarding the new DOT chemical security regulations.

1 Jul 2003

Read Your Permits Carefully

Recently, we were engaged to assist a new client with the evaluation of their existing wastewater pretreatment system.

1 Jul 2003

Alkaline Zinc Electroplating

Question: The May 2003 letter from J.K. sounds familiar.

1 Jul 2003

New Hazardous Waste Laws

Question: My hazardous waste hauler recently informed me that the US Department of Transportation is requiring some type of security plan and training in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

1 Jul 2003

Caring for Filter Presses

Question: Steve, I run a job shop that performs metal cleaning, phosphating and painting of metal.

1 May 2003

Zinc Treatment

Question: Your March 2003, article, “Increased Floc,” prompted me to write regarding a similar problem we just started having.

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