regulation

The Future of Hard Chrome: Pioneering Innovations for Sustainable Solutions

Although useful, chromic acid and other compounds that contain hexavalent chromium ions are highly toxic and carcinogenic. However, one company has developed an alternative for the hard chrome process that achieves thick, conformal coatings with wear and fatigue resistance comparable or superior to hexavalent chromium-based systems.


Episode 49: An Interview with Darren Williams, Professor of Chemistry

PF Senior Editor Lori Beckman interviews Parts Cleaning Conference co-chair, Darren Williams. They discuss highlights from the 2024 conference, industrial parts cleaning trends and current regulations.

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Liquid Chrome Vs. Chromic Acid Flake

Contemplating how to continue offering chromic acid services in an increasingly stringent regulatory world? Liquid chrome products may be the solution you’re looking for.

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Episode 48: An Interview With Louis Lebrun, Axine Water Technologies

PF's On the Line podcast explores an electrochemical oxidation technology designed to eliminate PFAS compounds.

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Finishing Industry to Gather for Washington Forum 2024

Finishing professionals from across the nation to convene in Washington D.C. to discuss policy at the NASF 2024 Washington Forum Sept. 16-18.

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Episode 45: An Interview with Chandler Mancuso, MacDermid Envio Solutions

Chandler Mancuso, technical director with MacDermid Envio discusses updating your wastewater treatment system and implementing materials recycling solutions to increase efficiencies, control costs and reduce environmental impact.

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Conferences, Trade Shows, Tours and Events

Products Finishing rounds up some of its recent travels — from international trade shows to facility tours to legislative meetings regarding environmental regulations affecting the finishing community. 

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Episode 44: Metal Finishing Legislative Day

Products Finishing recently attended the Metal Finishing Association of California's annual legislation day event, which provides a forum for finishing operations in the state to voice their concerns to government officials. In this installment of On the Line, we learn more about the initiative and the key issues for California-based finishers. 

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Reducing VOCs

Coating materials (paint and solvent) are one of the most significant sources of VOC generation. John Owed of Carlisle Fluid Technologies offers advice for reducing VOC consumption.

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Hexavalent to trivalent chromium — the environmental benefits

Regulatory pressures to switch from hexavalent chromium to trivalent alternatives are a growing concern for many finishing operations. In this Products Finishing Ask the Expert clinic, Brittany McKinney of Pavco discusses the environmental considerations driving these regulations. 

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Episode 42: An Interview with Robin Deal, Hubbard-Hall

Hubbard-Hall wastewater treatment specialist Robin Deal discusses the latest trends in wastewater management. 

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Finishing Another Year — Looking Back at the Trends of 2023

Products Finishing reflects on a year of reporting on the surface finishing industry and looks ahead to what may be in store for 2024.

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Episode 38: On the Line — Looking Back on 2023

PF’s On the Line discusses some of the issues that were top of mind for industry during the past year.

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Anode Answers for Hard Chrome Plating

While problems continue to rise with using lead anodes for hard chrome plating, some manufacturers are discovering platinized titanium anodes as a much-improved alternative with a long list of advantages.

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Episode 35: Advancing Trivalent Chromium for Functional Coatings

Products Finishing recently caught up with Doug Morrison and Kyle Hankinson of Trion Coatings to hear the latest developments with their SAFEChrome trivalent chromium technology. 

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Trivalent Chrome Overview

As the finishing industry begins to move away from the use of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, what factors should finishers consider as they make new investments? Mark Schario, chief technology officer for Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of this complicated topic.

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Bonus Podcast: SUR/FIN 2023 Interview with Richard Lynch, MacDermid Enthone

Products Finishing talks trends in the finishing industry with Richard Lynch, senior global vice president, MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions.

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ASTM Committee Honors ChemQuest Vice Presidents

Two ChemQuest vice presidents are being recognized by ASTM Committee D01 on paint and related coatings, materials and applications.

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Bisphenol-Free Coating for Beverage Can Ends

A BPA-NI internal coating for beverage can ends from AkzoNobel complies with FDA and EU regulations.

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HMG Paints Receives JOSCAR Supplier Accreditation

HMG Paints has received a Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register registration mark.

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How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance

The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.

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Precision Coating Receives ISO 14001 Certification

The company says its commitment to the environment and its health led it to seek this certification.

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Bryan Leiker, MFACA, Discusses CARB Public Hearing Over Calif. Hex Chrome Ban

Bryan Leiker, executive director, Metal Finishing Association of California, offers a recap of a January 27, 2023, public hearing conducted by the California Air Resources Board prior to an impending ruling on a proposed ban of hexavalent chromium use for finishing operations in the state.

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Episode 28.5: Calif. Air Resources Board January 27, 2023 Public Hearing Recap

Bryan Leiker, Metal Finisher’s Assn. of Calif., discusses Jan. 27 CARB public hearing over hexavalent chromium use for finishing operation in the state.

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Novel Wastewater Treatment Targets Micropollutants

Swiss wastewater treatment technology provider Oxyle specializes in advanced wastewater treatment for removal of highly persistent micropollutants such as PFAS.

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