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Electroplating 2 May 2022

Developing Standardized Testing for Trivalent Chromium Thickness: A Progress Report

The industry shift toward trivalent decorative chromium plating and away from hexavalent highlights a need for testing standards. As Chair for ASTM B08.10 Subcommittee on Test Methods for Metallic and Inorganic Coating, Mark Schario is leading the committee’s focus on developing standardized testing for trivalent chrome thickness. This presentation provides information on the initiative, testing methods and variables, initial data on thickness comparison and alloy composition, and summary of input and extended lab testing.

surfin 24 Mar 2022

NASF's SUR/FIN 2022 Is Just Around the Corner

For the surface finishing industry, opportunities to learn, network and connect are abundant at SUR/FIN 2022.

surfin 19 Mar 2022

Modeling and Simulation for the Finishing Industry - the 55th William Blum Memorial Lecture

As Dr. Keith Legg, 2019 recipient of the NASF Scientific Achievement Award, watched the changes in industry over the past decade or so, he has seen modeling and simulation move from one industry to another. Seeing how and where it is used elsewhere, he concludes that modeling could be more widely and profitably used in the surface finishing industry. In his Blum lecture, he discusses how modeling for surface finishing is a recognized approach today. It is proving to be very useful for plating and some finishing processes and is finding new uses as it develops, but there is a lot to learn. The aim is to make modeling a standard, integrated approach to coating development and corrosion protection.

surfin 8 Mar 2022

The Basics of Automotive Surface Engineering by Isotropic Superfinishing

This paper discusses using a non-abrasive, high density media in conjunction with an isotropic superfinishing (ISF) chemistry. This improved surface significantly reduces friction and provides several engineering advantages. The paper also reviews the technique used to generate ISF and some of the improvements that can be imparted to metal-to-metal contact surfaces.

Electroplating 4 Feb 2022

An Interview with Jim Jones, DIFCO

Jim Jones, consultant and former vice president of DIFCO, discusses his experience in the surface finishing industry.

surfin 3 Feb 2022

A Process for Alkaline Non-cyanide Silver Plating for Direct Plating on Copper, Copper Alloys and Nickel Without a Silver Strike Bath

Traditionally, silver is electroplated in toxic, cyanide-based chemistry. Due to cyanide’s extreme hazard to human health and environments, developing non-cyanide silver chemistry is essential for the silver electroplating industry. Discussed here is an aqueous, alkaline non-cyanide silver plating technology, which can be directly plated over nickel as well as copper and its alloys. The silver deposits have perfect white color and better anti-tarnishing properties than other non-cyanide silver processes. The silver is plated entirely from the dissolving silver anode and the bath is very stable, and maintains a stable pH level both during plating and idle time. This new non-cyanide silver technology will plate bright silver that is perfectly suitable for electronic, industrial and decorative applications. .

surfin 1 Feb 2022

Episode 16: Passion for the Industry (An Interview with Jim Jones, DIFCO)

Jim Jones, consultant and former vice president of DIFCO, discusses his experience in the surface finishing industry.

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military 30 Dec 2021

The Sacrifices of World War II in the Plating Industry - A Reflection in Light of the Covid Pandemic

Eighty years ago this month, our involvement in World War II began with the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was the existential crisis for the 20th century, for America and the world. Thus far, the ongoing COVID pandemic may well be considered the existential crisis for the 21st, although we’ve just gotten started and climate issues lurk in the future. At the 1942 AES Convention, the first after Pearl Harbor, a special session was held, covering how the surface finishing industry was affected by the war effort. It is worthwhile at this juncture to look back on this, especially in light of today’s pandemic.

surfin 23 Dec 2021