Feature Articles

Dot Commentary: Using the Web to Combat MP&M
Unless you've spent the last year or so living in a cave, odds are good that you've heard of the EPA's proposed Metal Products & Machinery Rule.

Centrifuge Improves Waste Treatment

Roll Coater needed a more reliable water pollution control system. Therefore, the company installed a centrifuge with a new design that reduced downtime and reduced the company's waste treatment problem...

Optimizing Craftsmen's Polishing Skills

Robotic polishing cells enable Baldwin Hardware to supply its craftsmen with the tools they need to ensure the timeless quality of the company's product...

Nickel Sulfamate and Pits
Question: We are having problems with pits in our nickel sulfamate plating line.

Some More Pitting
Question: One of our customers has recently started to complain about pitting of wire parts that we bright nickel plate.

Thermoplastic Powder for Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture has traditionally been coated with various plastisol and PVC coatings. But, a new paradigm is beginning to take shape with the increasing use of modified polyethylene powder coatings...

Wood's Nickel Redux
Question: I need some information about the Wood's nickel strike bath.

On My Mind: Strategic Management
Recently, I had the chance to sit in on a strategic management session for one of PF's sister magazines.

Chromium Plating Bath Contamination
Question: We recently had to dump a fairly large volume of hexavalent chromium plating solution because it was contaminated with a high level of zinc and other heavy metals.

Painting Resin Chairs
Question: This is probably not the right forum for this question, since it is a household item and not a product that I am manufacturing.

Corrosion Protection
Question: I am trying to stop corrosion on a high carbon steel.

Powder Coating Adhesion on Stainless Steel
Question: I am experiencing loss of adhesion in the field with powder coating over 304 stainless steel.

Film Defects
Question: What is cissing?

Painting Metal Products
Question: My sons and I are partners in a small family business in which we do custom metal work, welding, painting, polishing, etc.

Spray Gun Cleaner
Question: I am the paint line foreman for our plant.

Perspectives: Why Do Customers Take Their Business Elsewhere?
Companies in the United States lose nearly half of their customers every five years according to Paul R.

Spinning Away Waste

Chemical and mechanical processing work together to treat the vibratory finishing wastewater at Aro-Sac, increasing production,making the water reusable and rendering the sludge a non-hazardous waste...

Polyurethanes vs. Epoxies
Question: I would like to know what the differences are between epoxy and polyurethane coatings.

Robotic Polishing Live!

Robotic polishing cells enable Baldwin Hardware Corporation to supply its craftsmen with the tools they need to ensure the timeless quality of the company's product.

Oversized Parts After Anodizing
Question: I am a manufacturing engineer at an aerospace company.

Protecting and Enhancing Decorative Plated Componentry at Keeler Brass

Brass, copper, chromium, nickel, whatever the coating, Keeler Brass gives it a glossy, durable finish using an EPA-compliant lacquer...

Powder Coating Exterior Doors
Question: We manufacture made-to-order aluminum doors and are interested in finding a powder coating to be used for exterior applications.