regulation

Electroplating 5 Apr 2011

Cobalt-Free Technology for Trivalent Chromates on Zinc Plating

Corrosion and appearance requirements for plated steel parts continue to increase, while at the same time ever more restrictive environmental regulations are being put into place. As if these hurdles are not challenging enough for both process suppliers and applicators, there exists the compelling directive to reduce costs. Much of this is initially introduced by the European automotive industry, but then quickly spreads to automakers worldwide and to most other industries. In the field of zinc plating, the focus is on the protective conversion coatings and top coats that are applied to the zinc deposit. This paper examines the advantages of new cobalt-free technology as well as what is on the horizon regarding future requirements and regulations for zinc plating.

regulation 4 Apr 2011

OSHA Regulations Regarding Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

Our two safety showers and eyewash stations are in need of repair and/or replacement. What is required by OSHA?

regulation 21 Mar 2011

OSHA Regulations Regarding Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations

It has been brought to my attention that our two safety showers and eyewash stations are in need of repair and/or replacement. It is my desire to provide the appropriate equipment, but I could use some help on determining what is required by OSHA. K.S.

Liquid Coating 18 Feb 2011

What Temperature Profiling System is Right for Me?

Today, profiling systems that are both sophisticated and easy to use can give a clear pass/fail finding, document regulatory compliance, let operators know when and where their ovens are trending out of acceptable limits or show that a process is within suppliers’ or customers’ specifications.

economics 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.

regulation 13 Nov 2010

FINISHING TOUCH: It's Not Easy Being Green

It’s a tight line to walk these days between running a finishing company that turns a profit and one that is also environmentally friendly, especially when our local, state and federal regulators keep moving the line every day with new rules (read: more moolah out the door).But this month in Products Finishing we take a look at what a group of California finishers are doing to work with their regulatory agencies to stay on the right side of their environmental responsibilities.The ‘Model Shop Program’ we write about this month focuses on a voluntary partnership between some finishing organizations and regulators to become more eco-friendly and reducing the amount of waste and contaminants that may be hurting the environment.It’s not an easy thing to do, graduating as a ‘model’ shop.