March 2002 ISSUE

COVER STORY

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.

FEATURES

Liquid Coating

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…

Liquid Coating

Aluminum Nameplates

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

Liquid Coating

Calculating Line Speed

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

Electroplating

Current Density Meter

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

Electrocoating

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?

Anodizing

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...

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...

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…

Electroplating

Injection Molding and Chromium Plating

Question: We have been asked to chromium plate some dies used for injection molding.

Electroplating

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.

My Mind: Homegrown Systems

What image does your mind conjure up when I tell you a finishing system was homegrown?

Liquid Coating

Non-Paint Painting

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

Liquid Coating

Non-Painting Alternatives

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

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.

Electroplating