Feature Articles

nCoP Takes the Hex Out of Chrome Plating
Electrodeposited nanocrystalline cobalt-phosphorus (nCoP) has emerged as a viable environmental alternative to hard chromium coatings for both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) applications. The coatings’ material properties revealed that nCoP has high hardness, enhanced ductility, lower wear rates, superior corrosion resistance and no issues with hydrogen embrittlement after baking.

NASF REPORT: NASF Collaborates with Canadian Finishers
The CASF “Forum” conference in Toronto provided an informative overview of compliance issues and emerging regulatory issues. Also: NASF coordinating with Nickel Institute on nickel salts, metals data.

There’s No Stopping This Powder Coating Line
McCain Manufacturing recently dramatically expanded its facilities to 100,000 sq ft to increase and improve its powder coating and finishing operations with a new automated conveyor that was installed along with a large-scale batch powder coating system.

PPG Using Selectively Strippable System For RAF
RAF has taken delivery of the first Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft painted with high-solids Desoprime CF/CA 7049 chromate-free primer, F565-4010 selectively strippable intermediate coat, and high-solids Desothane HS/CA 8200 series military and defense topcoats.

Hard Lessons in Hardcoating
Michael Kelner decided in 2007 to invest in a hardcoat aluminum anodizing shop in Minneapolis, despite having no coating experience whatsoever. Today, after investing more than $4 million and 10 months after construction started, Kelner has new equipment in a relocated and refurbished facility.

Tech Notes

Grinding Out a Polished Finish
Enerquip installed a special two-head OD polisher built by Grinding and Polishing Machinery of Indianapolis, Ind., a specialist in designing and building industrial grinding and polishing machinery. It uses the stainless pipes for the sanitary-grade shell and tube heat exchangers it designs and manufactures for the food, dairy, beverage, pharmaceutical and biotech industries in the U.S. and internationally.