economics

Electroplating 1 Sep 2011

A Mighty Wind for Finishers

Here in the U.S., the wind energy market grew by about 60 percent from 2009 to 2010, and with more than 40,000 installed megawatts, we rank second to China. Those numbers have caught the attention of finishers, who see a new market to plate parts, e-coat or powder coat turbines, or paint and anodize the hundreds of necessary components.

Electroplating 26 Aug 2011

Economics of Phosphating

Can you give me an economic analysis of the advantages of phosphate coatings of steel?

economics 1 Apr 2011

Antimicrobial coatings: Billion Dollar Bugs

Antimicrobial coatings are starting to make an even bigger entry into U.S. homes. More consumer goods manufacturers are offering “germ resistant” surfaces on many household items such as refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves and other appliances and fixtures. A report by Global Industry Analysts Inc. says the U.S. antimicrobial coatings market alone is expected to reach $1 billion by 2015.

Liquid Coating 1 Mar 2011

Be All You Can Be

For fabricators, the finishing line is just the beginning of a new era in today's market. The days of simply cutting, bending and welding metal components into assemblies and delivering them to a customer in two to three weeks just don't exist anymore, nor with original equipment manufacturers need tighter turnarounds for their parts.

economics 23 Dec 2010

7 Changes to Reduce Spray Costs Immediately

Jon Barber of Spraying Systems Co. in Wheaton, IL, says that the sluggish economy often causes manufacturers to convert their “cost management” programs into “cost reduction” programs.But Barber warns that cutting costs can have a negative impact on products and process quality, and can actually lead to higher scrap rates, costlier product recalls and unhappy customers.

regulation 3 Dec 2010

Tanks and Liners: Is Conventional Wisdom or Reliance on Internet-Based Answers Putting your Company at Risk?

Finishing companies face an array of unprecedented challenges. Decision-making is affected by these pressures. Conventional wisdom and/or the reliance on internet-based answers can lead to procurements that create unnecessary downtime, safety risks and loss. Factors compounding the pain of inadequate options and poor choices are aging plants and equipment, a shrinking manufacturing workforce and legal/policy/regulatory costs. Topics covered in this article include: (1) an overview of tanks and liners, (2) the true costs of downtime, (3) results from a recent tank and liner market survey, (4) the plastic paradox (including fires), (5) spark testing and leak monitoring technologies, (6) drop-ins, (7) what to look for from a supplier and (8) new advancements.

economics 9 Aug 2010