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7 Sep 2024 Electroplating
AESF Heritage: Characterization of Deposits, Coatings and Electroforms
During the 1990s, the late Dr. Rolf Weil contributed a monthly column in the AESF journal, Plating & Surface Finishing, in which he described the various methods by which the properties of electrodeposits could be measured and characterized. Topics covered include analytical equipment, measurement methods and specific applications. Dr. Weil's practical approach, in layman's terms, aimed at taking the fear out of using sophisticated equipment. What follows is a collection of several of those columns.

1 Oct 2024 editorial
Honoring the Champions of the Finishing Industry
Do you have an industry mentor or colleague who deserves recognition? Consider nominating them for Products Finishing’s new Champions of the Industry award.

7 Oct 2024 Ask The Expert
Corrosion Protection Options for Aluminum
Seeking to understand aluminum corrosion and prevention? Jacob Weingart of Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of corrosion protection options for aluminum and its alloys.

8 Oct 2024 curing
The Lowdown on Infrared Curing
In this Q&A, infrared curing’s ins and outs are covered by Carlisle Fluid Technologies, including how it works, why its a popular curing type and the benefits of it.

7 Oct 2024 aerospace
Advancing Aerospace Connectors
OEMs looking to optimize aircraft performance and range are turning to composites and plastics, which require specific finishing treatments.

1 Oct 2024 Powder Coating
Exploring Powder Coating for Plastics, Composites and 3D-printed Parts
Advancements in powder coating technology make it a viable surface finish for a growing number of applications using advanced plastics or composites.

14 Oct 2024 Parts Cleaning
Ceramic Media Filters Out Metals for Less
As a low-cost alternative to legacy technologies, this ceramic molecular media filtration system removes metals and pollutants from industrial wastewaters at a low price point.

14 Oct 2024
Never Say There Wasn’t Enough Time
When a commitment is missed, begin with honesty. Instead of saying you didn’t have time, explain the circumstance and own it.

22 Oct 2024 Electroplating
Plating Top Shop Values Benchmarking Survey
This 2024 Top Shop uses the survey as motivation to reach its goal and stay consistent.

31 Aug 2024 Electroplating
NASF Foundation Research Project #123: Electrochemical Manufacturing for Energy Applications - 10th Quarterly Report
The NASF-AESF Foundation Research Board selected a project on electrodeposition toward developing low-cost and scalable manufacturing processes for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis cells for clean transportation and distributed power applications. In this period, we followed our work on 3D printing anode support for solid oxide fuel cells, focusing on the thermal shock properties of 3D printed yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ).
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April 2024
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Webinars See All

On Demand
Exploring Powder Coatings: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Any one of these three facets will help you become a stronger powder coater, but this session will walk you through all of them and provide details that will be most valuable on a quest to develop an optimal powder operation. Agenda: The good: introduction to powder coatings The bad: common challenges The ugly: debunking myths Best practices for optimal operations Case studies

On Demand
Sustainable Cleaning Solutions: Optimizing Performance and Reducing Waste
Our focus includes the use of membrane filtration systems – which can recover up to 98% of cleaning solutions – dramatically reducing the volume of concentrated waste requiring disposal. Additionally, we delve into strategies for maximizing cleaner longevity by precisely adjusting oil concentrations, leveraging the direct relationship between cleaner concentration and effective oil content management. By adopting these methods, businesses can achieve significant cost savings through reduced chemical consumption, lower waste disposal expenses and decreased energy usage – all while promoting environmental sustainability. Agenda: Membrane Filtration Systems: Learn how these systems protect industrial assets and recover a substantial percentage of cleaning solutions. Cost-Saving Strategies: Discover opportunities for savings through extended cleaner longevity and reduced chemical waste Technical Cleanliness Challenges: Understand the various challenges in achieving and maintaining technical cleanliness across processes. Establish a more sustainable and cost-efficient cleaning program that delivers superior results, reduces downtime and minimizes environmental impact

On Demand
Beyond the Surface: Maximizing Efficiency in Plating Baths Through XRF Analysis
Dive into plating bath optimization. Learn about the importance of chemistry measurement, various analysis methods and real-time monitoring benefits through X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis with insightful case studies highlighting efficiency gains. Join Fisher Technology's Devarsh Shah and Melissa Agneta as they discuss how to improve plating efficiency by exploring essential chemistry techniques, including real-life examples. Discover why measuring plating bath chemistry matters, the different ways to analyze it and the benefits of monitoring it as it happens in real-time. With XRF analysis, you'll gain the knowledge and tools to improve your plating process, thus ensuring top-notch efficiency and quality in surface finishing. Agenda: Importance of measuring plating bath chemistry Methods for analyzing bath chemistry Benefits of monitoring bath chemistry in real-time Case studies

On Demand
Mastering Wastewater Systems: Essential Insights into Maintenance, Life Span and Chemical Impact
In this high-level overview of wastewater system maintenance and upgrades, Robin Deal and Brian Greene will review the critical components required for a fully-functional system and discuss their expected life span. Learn to navigate factors such as material degradation and technological advancements, examine the effects, and address issues of chemical usage on the equipment. This webinar is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to ensure your wastewater system remains in optimal condition, highlighting the importance of understanding both the hardware requirements and the chemical interactions that can influence system longevity and performance. By implementing proactive maintenance strategies and informed chemical management practices, you can enhance the reliability and efficiency of your wastewater infrastructure, ultimately contributing to environmental sustainability and public health protection. Agenda: Essential equipment for wastewater systems Life span considerations for wastewater systems Impact of chemical usage on wastewater equipment

On Demand
Which Throws the Harder Punch in Metal Finishing Wastewater Treatment: Chemical or Biologics?
But is chemical removal or biological removal better for your operation? Or maybe it is a combination of the two for the knockout punch? Chemical removal has a long track record of proven success and is readily available, cost-effective and affords ease of operation. Biological removal is used as a final polish to achieve permit limits and reduce disposal costs. These microorganisms work under aerobic and anaerobic conditions with no caustics or acids as to not cause harm to pipes or wastewater equipment. During this webinar, you will learn about how to implement a total wastewater system that will ultimately have you using less chemistry. Agenda: When would you use chemical vs biologics for wastewater treatment — or can you use both? Who should consider using biologics for wastewater treatment? What do you need to know about maintaining a biologic system?

On Demand
Which Packs the Bigger Pretreatment Punch: Iron Phosphate or Zirconium?
Zirconium conversion coatings provide advanced bonding and anti-corrosion treatment for all metals. They are formulated to replace conventional iron or zinc phosphate products in pretreatment applications with environmental, energy and wastewater treatment advantages. During this lively debate, our experts will help you decide which process will pack the bigger pretreatment punch for you – or will it be a combination of both? Agenda: Advantages and disadvantages of each application type Optimizing your process for reducing chemical consumption and cost Regulatory issues to be aware of

24 Oct 2024 New & Upcoming
XRF Analysis of Materials for Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Register Now
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9 Oct 2024
NASF Palmetto Southeast Chapter Fall Conference
The NASF Palmetto Southeast Chapter is excited to announce its fall management event! This 2-day event kicks off on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024 with two action-packed days of Succession on the Horizon!! Featuring brilliant speakers, cutting-edge & informative, innovative and real-time topics, impacting your business, and the surface finishing industry, as well as manufacturing. Includes two days of networking, socializing, golfing, great food, & lots of fun!!! Hosting this event down south, in the low-country for a second year in a row, at the beautiful Tides Resort in Folly Beach, SC. Register for the event here. Contact Paul Skelton @ paul.skelton@biganodes.com or by phone @ 828.748.9356

10 Oct 2024
NASF Connecticut Oct Meeting
Meeting Notice for Thursday, October 10, 2024 Spouses Night & Special Five Course Holiday Dinner Topic – The History of Electroplating Guest Speaker – Bill Nebiolo, REM Chemical Inc Overview of the Evening’s Technical Presentation This will be a fun-filled, light-hearted and enjoyable, non-technical presentation that will review the 246-year history of the electroplating industry. Meeting Location The Manor Inn (GPS Positioning Data) 1636 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike; (CT Rte. 322) Milldale, CT 06467 Times: 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.; Cocktails and Conversation 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.; Dinner 7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.; NASF Connecticut Chapter Announcements 7:45 p.m. – The History of Electroplating Reservations Contact Larry Ryan by noon Tues October 8, 2024 Primarily by e-mail at RYANL46@cox.net Secondarily by phone at (860) 384-8792; only if you don’t have e-mail access Please provide entrée choices for yourself and your spouse/significant other Please attend even if you don’t have a spouse or significant other for the event

15 Oct 2024
FABTECH 2024
FABTECH 2024 will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center. FABTECH provides a convenient ‘one-stop shop’ venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, discover innovative solutions, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. There is no better opportunity to network, share knowledge and explore the latest technology, all here in one place. Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

28 Oct 2024
IHEA Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT
Registration is open for the Industrial Heating Equipment Association’s (IHEA) Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT to be held October 28-30 at the Conrad Indianapolis. Attendance for this distinctive event is limited so early registration is highly recommended. The two-day SUMMIT will tackle the decarbonization challenges in the industrial heating industry. “IHEA’s Industrial Heating Decarbonization SUMMIT is the most comprehensive collection of information regarding sustainability and decarbonization within the industry,’ notes Chad Spore, John Deere’s Enterprise Materials Engineering Supervisor, Metals – Region 4. “You will walk away with confidence on how to take on this challenge within your business.” The SUMMIT is designed to assist everyone using heat technologies to understand and overcome important concerns and provide potential solutions as manufacturers plan for a sustainable future. The program contains topics that will inform and guide attendees in their journey to decarbonization, while a host of tabletop exhibitors will offer products and services that assist the industry in finding pathways to offset carbon emissions and a variety of alternative solutions. The event includes a two-day tabletop exhibition where attendees can visit with suppliers to learn more about the products and services that will help them navigate the decarbonization efforts. The unique IHEA approach to sustainable solutions is a comprehensive mix of currently available technologies as well as developing technologies that will allow companies to reduce carbon footprints now while planning for a net-zero future. Tabletops and sponsorships are available on the event website

6 Nov 2024
Surface Finishing Mexico
Surface Finishing Mexico is the most important exhibition of industrial surface finishing and coatings in Mexico. SFM 2024 offers a specialized educational program and commercial area UNIQUE for the industry we represent in Mexico. It is an excellent opportunity to interact with the world of electroplating, anodizing, liquid and powder painting, E-Coat, organic finishes and other processes.

6 Nov 2024
Spray Finishing Technology Workshop November 24
Carlisle Fluid Technologies- Binks, DeVilbiss, Ransburg, MS, BGK- and Owens Community College have teamed up to present Spray Finishing Technology Workshops The three-day intensive training programs are scheduled for November 6-8, 2024 in Toledo, Ohio. Classes meet from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and include both classroom and hands-on sessions. Attendees should be involved with industrial, contractor or maintenance spray finishing applications, or spray equipment sales and distribution. Topics for the Spray Finishing Technology Workshops include: Topics for the workshop include: Equipment types and selection Equipment set-up, operation, and maintenance Surface preparation and defect analysis Material selection Safety and regulatory concerns To register, or for additional information, contact Jaime Wineland, Owens Community College, Workforce and Community Services Division, toll-free by phone at: 800-466-9367, ext.7320, or by e-mail at: jaime_wineland@owens.edu

4 Oct 2024 New & Upcoming
MFASC/MFANC Annual Fall Outing Register Now
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Programs

Top Shops
Features stories and news on the adaptations of top shops, good habits, beneficial practices and successes that make a finishing shop a "Top Shop."

40 under 40
Young professionals are a vital asset to the finishing industry, and it is important to acknowledge those who are making great strides in shaping the industry's future.

Champions of the Industry
Products Finishing is proud to announce a new awards program that recognizes individuals in the industry that are making important contributions to forward the surface finishing industry.
Videos See All

26 Aug 2024 sustainability
Algae-Based Coating Enables Modular Carbon Capture Removal System
Reactive Surfaces, an innovator in bio-based coatings, works on development of Carbon Capture Coatings, which harness the natural CO2-capturing capabilities of live algae.

9 Aug 2024
Plating Automation Turns Controls Up a Notch
This Cincinnati-based plating company has experienced a 33% improvement as a result of investing in a new electroless nickel line. It continues to tweak the control technology to create the most effective coating for its customers’ needs.

22 Jul 2024 Electroplating
Episode 46: Richard Lynch, Timothy Gotsick; MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions
Experts from MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions share industry insights in an interview from the SUR/FIN 2024 finishing industry tradeshow.

24 Apr 2024 40-under-40
Videos: 40 Under 40 Class of 2024
In these uncertain times, it is refreshing to hear from and learn about young talent in the surface finishing industry who are striving to make a difference within their organizations and the industry as a whole.

8 Apr 2024 Parts Cleaning
Vacuum Degreaser Cleans Up a Messy Situation
By replacing its immersion parts washer with a vacuum degreasing system, this machine shop is much more efficient, saving the company money, man hours and the health of the operators.

2 Oct 2023 Liquid Coating
Precise Paint Flow Reduces Material and Labor Costs
Finding a more accurate paint proportioner for its application enabled this auto parts manufacturer to save significant costs and labor while increasing capacity.
Collections See All

Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes
10 Point Checklist to Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes

Automotive Coatings
A collection of four PF features that delve into the technologies, processes and people working to provide protection for the automobiles of today.

The Case for Cleaning
Survey and analysis, with Hubbard-Hall, of Products Finishing Top Shops benchmarking attitudes and practices concerning parts cleaning.
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5 Oct 2024

Headquarters Relocates for Growth and Sustainability
4 Oct 2024

Division Expands Operations with Move to Cincinnati
Powder Coating 2 Oct 2024

Blasting vs. Washing
Powder Coating 1 Oct 2024

Exploring Powder Coating for Plastics, Composites and 3D-printed Parts
editorial 1 Oct 2024

Honoring the Champions of the Finishing Industry
Ask The Expert 1 Oct 2024

Measuring Thick Nickel on Aluminum or Steel
30 Sep 2024

Purple Basil 2025 Color of the Year
Ask The Expert 30 Sep 2024

Liquid Chrome Vs. Chromic Acid Flake
28 Sep 2024

Coatings Enhance Adhesion on Recycled Plastic Devices
27 Sep 2024

Coating Applicator Reaches 60-Year Milestone

research

Anodizing 13 Jul 2011

Improvement of Corrosion Resistance of Magnesium by Anodizing in Alkaline Electrolytes

Results show that the novel organic additive reduced the sparking voltage and provided a relatively smoother surface.

research 31 Jan 2011

An Overview of Hard Chromium Plating Using Trivalent Chromium Solutions

For more than forty years, academic and industrial researchers from all over the world have taken a strong interest in alternative processes for hard chromium plating using hexavalent ions. The benefits of substitute processes are obvious, as the toxic and carcinogenic aspects of hexavalent chromium are well known.

research 1 Apr 2010

Passivation Basics

What is commonly referred to as "passivating" on a shop floor is actually just enhancement of a naturally occurring process on most stainless steels.

Pretreatment Washer and Finishing Equipment

Heatmax Heaters ad with immersion heaters