basics
How to Choose the Right Atomizing Spray Nozzle
Choosing the correct atomizing spray nozzle for your needs can be difficult. Thankfully, the engineers from EXAIR Corporation have designed a simple guide for choosing the nozzle you’ll need.
Read MoreHow to Troubleshoot and Fix Nickel Show from Hex-Chrome Baths
Nickel show on parts from hexavalent chromium baths can have many causes. Adam Blakeley of MacDermid Enthone lays out potential causes and how to fix them.
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Understanding the Anodic Oxide Finish – The First Commercially Available Nanoscale Coating
Dr. Jude M. Runge is the 2020 recipient of the NASF William Blum Scientific Achievement Award. The COVID-19 crisis and the cancellation of SUR/FIN 2020 have affected the timing of the formal award and her delivery of the William Blum Lecture. To honor her properly now, it is timely to publish one of her earlier papers, showing the caliber of her work. Here, she notes that nanomaterials, nanotechnology and nanoprocessing are the marketing buzzwords for the 21st century, stressing that, after all, conventional anodizing processes yield a nanoscale finish. Armed with this knowledge, the ease, reliability and reproducibility of the anodic finish enable insights into new applications.
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How to Maintain Vibratory Finishing Media
Vibratory finishers and vibratory media require cleaning and maintenance to function properly. Here are tips to keep yours running well.
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When to Use Air Spray Guns or Rotary Bell Atomizers for Robotics
For automated finishing, are air spray guns or rotary bell atomizers better? Mark Dion from Dürr Systems explains the pros and cons of both for robotic painting.
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How to Design an Effective Racking System
Well-designed racking is an important part of any finishing operation. Richard Lang, who handles technical sales for EPSI’s racking and hanging division, offers insights for designing an effective racking system.
Read MoreHow to Handle and Eliminate Powder Coating Defects
For powder coating operations, an error report can turn defects and imperfections into an opportunity to improve.
Read MoreHow to Avoid Orange Peel in Powder Coating
One of the most common quality issues with powder coating is an uneven “orange peel” texture. Bruce Hilbert, applications/technical manager for Tiger Drylac, offers advice for avoiding this common defect.
Read MoreHow to Address Declining Powder Coating Coverage Over Time
Fine particles from reclaim could be to blame for powder coating problems that emerge over time. Avoid problems by keeping hooks clean, maintaining guns and using reclaim powder quickly to avoid accumulation of fines.
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Tips for Optimizing or Expanding Your Anodizing Line
Jim Acquaviva, director of business development for Technic Equipment, offers advice for assessing areas of process improvement for anodizing operations, outlining helpful steps for an end-user self-assessment.
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