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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. 

Rodger Talbert
Columnist, Products Finishing magazine

Factors Affecting Job Shop Profitability

Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert answers a question about procedures that affect profitability, including quoting methods.

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Powder Coating Automation Can Reach ESG Goals for Automotive Parts

By adopting the robotic process automation (RPA) powder applicator, a plant can make significant savings for both the environment and the bottom line.

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Conductivity and Plating

Eric Xie of PAVCO Inc. discusses conductivity when considering the combination of plating metal deposits, passivates and topcoats/sealers.

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Avoiding Powder Coating Defects on TGIC-Free Metallic

ChemQuest’s Kevin Biller shares how to omit pinholes and voids when powder coating. 

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Reducing Hardness for Polyester Resin

ChemQuest’s Kevin Biller answers the question of how to reduce hardness on a polyester resin for powder coating. 

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3-Stage Versus 5-Stage Washers

Columnist Rodger Talbert explains the difference between a five-stage washer and a three-stage washer, and how one provides better corrosion protection over the other. 

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Software Can Make Job Shops Profitable

Steelhead Technologies’ Jeffrey Halonen answers two questions about how using software increases profitability.  


Dirt in the Powder Coated Film

Rodger Talbert shares how to identify dirt showing up on powder-coated film and where it comes from. 

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Masking Solutions for Medical Applications

This article from Custom Fabricating & Supplies delves into important masking considerations for medical and related products.

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Proper Chemical Handling for Plating

Every year, improper chemical handling in industrial environments leads to injury and significant financial loss. Read about how to stay safe.

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Torque Tension Modifiers

Matt Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the principles of torque tension and why it is a concern for platers who coat fasteners.

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Trends in Plating on Plastic

As plastics have become more ubiquitous, the demand for metal plating of plastics has increased. 

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Film Thickness Control

Have a powder coating job that requires precise film thickness control? Products Finishing columnist Rodger Talbert offers advice controlling the variables that can impact your success. 

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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. 


Powder Coating Aluminium Adhesion Failure

PF columnist Rodger Talbert offers advice for mitigating adhesion failure of powder coating on aluminum parts.

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Reducing VOCs

Coating materials (paint and solvent) are one of the most significant sources of VOC generation. John Owed of Carlisle Fluid Technologies offers advice for reducing VOC consumption.

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Hexavalent to trivalent chromium — the environmental benefits

Regulatory pressures to switch from hexavalent chromium to trivalent alternatives are a growing concern for many finishing operations. In this Products Finishing Ask the Expert clinic, Brittany McKinney of Pavco discusses the environmental considerations driving these regulations. 

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How to Choose Between Sulfate and Chloride-Based Trivalent Chromium

There are several factors to consider when choosing between sulfate and chloride-based baths for trivalent chromium plating. Mark Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the differences and what platers should keep in mind when evaluating options.

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10 Anodizing Best Practices

Following this list of guidelines can help to increase the performance, cost effectiveness and quality for your anodizing operation. 

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Choosing Paint for Fast-Paced, Extra Slip, High Temp Applications

Many industrial applications require coatings that not only offer corrosion resistance and aesthetics, but provide additional attributes such as heat resistance and quick drying properties. This helpful clinic offers a few examples. 

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Selecting high-capacity anodizing tanks

Process tanks are the foundation of finishing. Asa Halliday of Tri-Mer Corp. discusses considerations to keep in mind when selecting anodizing tanks.


Advantages of UV-LED Spot Curing for Collision Repair

Carlisle Fluid Technologies’ Jacob Fortmeyer shares advantages, considerations and important equipment features for the UV-LED curing process.  

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Rework and Recoating Powder

Powder coating rework requires more than just recoating the part. Products Finishing columnist and powder coating consultant Rodger Talbert discusses proper steps that should be taken to ensure a quality finish. 

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Finishing activity contracted again in January, Closing at 45.5

Finishing activity has shown encouraging signs the past two months, the longest ‘stretch’ since starting to contract in April 2023.

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Changing From Liquid to Powder Coating

Will the powder coating perform better than your liquid system? Products Finishing columnist Rodger Talbert discusses considerations you should consider when making the switch.

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3 Tests to Ensure Parts are Clean Prior to Plating

Making sure that all of the pre-processing fluids are removed prior to plating is not as simple as it seems. Rich Held of Haviland Products outlines three tests that can help verify that your parts are clean.

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10 Ecoat Best Practices

Following this list of guidelines can help to increase the performance, cost effectiveness and quality for your ecoat operation. 

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