Mechanical Finishing

The Keys To World-Class Finishing

What underperforming finishers don’t know (that good ones do)

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A Conversation with ... Harold Wagenknecht, Rosler Metal Finishing USA

Harold Wagenknecht took over Rosler Metal Finishing USA two years ago and has orchestrated the very successful expansion of its Battle Creek, Mich., campus.

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Powder Coating

Finding Lost Profits In Your Finishing Line

The finishing division of White Castle restaurants teamed with Profit Finders, a continuous improvement company specializing in data collection and analysis, to look at ways to increase process efficiencies.

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economics

Optimizing Compound Flow Rates

We operate six round vibratory finishers that range in size from 3 to 25 cu ft. Compound is fed to each machine from a central mixing system, each machine having from one to four nozzles to feed the compound. Four of the machines are hand loaded and unloaded, while the largest machines have internal separators that discharge the parts automatically. How can we better control the usage of compound, which varies considerably from shift to shift, and from week to week?

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Ask The Experts: Nitrites and Fragrances

Question: Recently, a potential new vendor pointed out that our vibratory finish compound contains sodium nitrite; and said we are violating the law in using it. Is that true?

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Minnesota Finishing Suppliers See Boom In Exports

Finishing equipment suppliers in Minnesota are seeing a surge in export sales, especially for Almco, which saw a 113 percent jump in export sales in the last two years. Television station KAAL in Minnesota aired a segment on Almco recently that highlighted the increase in sales. Read more to check out the video.

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Deburring Change Earns 'Find-It Fix-It Challenge' Award

Award recognizes and rewards simple and effective workplace solutions that result in increased productivity, improved worker morale, and fewer workplace injuries and illnesses.

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Nitrites and Fragrances

We are using a vibratory finishing compound that has been satisfactory for more than 20 years. Recently, a potential new vendor pointed out that it contains sodium nitrite and said we are violating the law in using it. We checked with our supplier, who said that mass finishing compounds are basically cleaners and, as such, are not banned by regulations concerning sodium nitrite.

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Stench!

When our mass finishing equipment is started after being shut down a week or more, an extreme stench emanates from the entire system. How can we control this problem?

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Liquid Coating

The Number One Problem Facing Surface Finishers Today

With nearly one in five American workers either unemployed or underemployed it seems inconceivable that coaters and manufacturers alike would have such a difficult time finding the right people. Mention this problem to a friend working outside the manufacturing sector and your statement produces a confounded gape. Raise the issue with a coater and watch for the knowing acknowledgement. What’s the problem? There are three, actually.

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