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Powder Coating

How to Handle and Eliminate Powder Coating Defects

For powder coating operations, an error report can turn defects and imperfections into an opportunity to improve. 

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Liquid Coating

Pressure and Flow Control in Spray Guns and Rotary Atomizers

Tighter controls of paint flow and pressure may help finishers improve efficiency and profits. 

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How to Avoid Orange Peel in Powder Coating

One of the most common quality issues with powder coating is an uneven “orange peel” texture. Bruce Hilbert, applications/technical manager for Tiger Drylac, offers advice for avoiding this common defect.

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Data Collection Trends in Metal Finishing

The finishing industry is moving towards the automation of process and production data collection. Roger Smith outlines new technology to help finishers automate and streamline.

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How Does Aluminum Impact Dry Film Thickness Readings?

Jay Kunick from Fischer discusses why different dry film thickness gauges will give different measurements on aluminum, and how to get accurate readings.

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Electroplating

Increasing Low Current Density (LCD) Coverage in Trivalent Chromium

Many factors can influence the low current density (LCD) coverage in a trivalent chromium system. Pavco decorative team manager Shane Moore discusses ideas for improving both chloride and sulfate systems.

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Liquid Coating

Choosing the Right Paint Booth

When investing in a paint booth, choosing the ideal airflow style for your business’ needs is perhaps the most important decision. Royce Day of Global Finishing Solutions explains the pros and cons of the four primary paint booth airflow styles.

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Avoiding Adhesion Failure Due to Paraffin

For plating applicators, paraffin residue can cause poor adhesion, delayed blistering or other poor-quality performance of the plated deposit, including poor corrosion resistance. Coventya director of business development Greg Terrell explains how to remove paraffin-based lubricants prior to plating. 

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Powder Coating

What's the Best Coating Method for Extended Outdoor Performance?

For long-lasting powder coating that holds up outdoors, consultant Rodger Talbert suggests pretreatment and washing options, a primer layer and a top coat.

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basics

Tips for Optimizing or Expanding Your Anodizing Line

Jim Acquaviva, director of business development for Technic Equipment, offers advice for assessing areas of process improvement for anodizing operations, outlining helpful steps for an end-user self-assessment.

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