Feature Articles

Perspectives: Can Finishers Compete Globally?
The National Association of Manufacturing believes that the decline in manufacturing may be ending; however, the United States has experienced a growing trade deficit for the past 30 years.

Non-Paint Painting
Question: This is written regarding your November 2001 clinic piece on staining oak fences.

What is Permalloy?
Question: What is permalloy plating, and what is it used for?

Current Density Meter
Question:  I have a special plating project that will require careful monitoring of current densities.

Using Nylon Powder
Question: I am quoting a job that has a call out for nylon powder.

Is Recycling Hazardous?
Question: Due to the buildup of contaminants, we are looking at removing about one-half of our chrome plating bath and reconstitute it back to normal operating volume and strength.

Non-Painting Alternatives
Question: I am the director of product development for a company allied to the finishing industry.

My Mind: Homegrown Systems
What image does your mind conjure up when I tell you a finishing system was homegrown?

Spot Tests Again
Question: Is there an easy method for determining the metal in a plated deposit?

Injection Molding and Chromium Plating
Question: We have been asked to chromium plate some dies used for injection molding.

Calculating Line Speed
Question: When designing a paint line system, how would I calculate the “feet per minute” using a monorail system?

Electropolishing as a Pretreatment for Anodizing

Electropolishing can be a pretreatment for anodizing or a substitute for bright dipping. Either way, it improves the surface of the aluminum...

A Homegrown Painting System

What is a homegrown painting system? At Indalex, it's one that has been tailored specifically to the company's needs…

Industrial Assessments for Pollution Prevention and Energy Efficiency

Is it going to cost your company money to become more environmentally friendly and energy efficient? Some think it will. This executive summary and the associated report show that pollution prevention and energy efficient operations may actually save you money. A link to the full report is provided…

 

Increase Parts Washing Capacity

Eliminating a labor-intensive hand wiping cleaning application and installing an ultrasonic cleaner with greater capacity, helped Renco really sense the savings...

Electrocoating Stainless Steel Parts
Question: We have a customer who wants to electrocoat stainless steel parts (grade 430 or 436). Can we expect adhesion problems with normal pre-clean treatments?

What’s up with Cyanide?
Question: We are having an ongoing “battle” with our local sewer district over wastewater monitoring cyanide results.

Aluminum Nameplates
Question: I am the industrial engineering supervisor for an electrical equipment manufacturer.