marketing
Lessons of the Great Recession
If previous economic cycles are any indication, it won’t be long before finishers made slimmer and more productive by the Great Recession go back to the old ways.
Read MoreThe $5 Lean Manufacturing Primer—Lunch Included
Introducing a cutting-edge, innovative training program on the topic of lean manufacturing.
Read MoreKeepin’ it Kaizen
For some insights on the benefits of Kaizen, and some hints on how it can be implemented, Never Finished recently posed several questions to Pedro Font, plant manager for Metokote Corp.’s coatings facility in San Antonio, TX.
Read MoreMaterials Expense Out of Control?
Expense isn’t out of control because we used too much. It’s out of control because the inventory management system is performing poorly.
Read More
Finishers' Think Tank: Rust Inhibitors: Selections
Rust inhibitors are characterized by their chemical type, optimum use and related properties. Targeted protection is based on the capability of each system to meet general or specific requirements, indoors and outdoors. Factors to consider for desired rust protection include: the condition of the basis metal , activity, length of storage time and relative humidity.
Read More
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.
Read More
Functional Trivalent Chromium Electroplating
This paper will discuss recent research work on the development of a functional trivalent chromium plating process from a single, simple-to-control trivalent-based electrolyte to replace hexavalent chromium plating. Hexavalent chromium plating has been used for many years to provide hard, durable coatings with excellent wear and corrosion resistance properties. However, hexavalent chromium baths have come under increasing scrutiny due to the toxic nature of the bath, effects on the environment and worker health. In this work, we are updating accomplishments to achieve properties comparable to existing hexavalent chromium plating for functional applications. Work on achieving desirable thickness, uniformity, adhesion, porosity and corrosion resistance, as well as other material properties, will be discussed.
Read More
